Star Bright Books

Isabel reads Building Stories at Green Light Bookstore, Brooklyn

2012-02-01T09:41:00.007-05:00

Come to Story Time at Green Light Bookstore.
The fabulous Isabel Hill reads her super fun Building Stories.
She can tell, she can show how to see, how to read buildings.
Sure, like a story book, buildings have stories.
Did you know why the front of the YMCA building has a stone carved ship?
(Years ago, only sailors could stay there, you will learn)
What about the one with a monkey family, a roaring lion and an elegant elephant?
(Right, that's the fantastic Bronx Zoo!)
Come to Story Time at Green Light Bookstore.
You will discover that buildings are like us;
they will tell you who they were, who they are.
Listen carefully, and look carefully,
because just like us,
some are wild, others are very shy.

Brooklyn-based author, photographer, architectural historian, Isabel Hill presents her new picture book, Building Stories, a rich collection of photographs and facts, all told in rhyming verse to delight young readers.
Feb 4 2012 11:00 am
Green Light Bookstore
686 Fulton Street  (at South Portland) , Brooklyn, NY

Small Medium Large, “a creative concept-teaching picture book”

2012-01-09T01:09:00.004-05:00

From the December issue of the Midwest Book Review Children's Bookwatch:
"Small Medium Large is a creative concept-teaching picture book with brilliant graphics and colorful characters named (and sized appropriately) Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, Huge, Enormous and Teeny Weeny, Itty-bitty, Minuscule, and more. Tackling relative size concepts and basic adding (math) skills, Small Medium Large uses color, size, even print and page size to convey fun combined with comparisons and math to equal a fabulous teaching book for children age 3 and up! The final double gatefold illustration adds excitement and action to this fun package, making it irresistible.”

Witches, "message of inclusiveness triumphantly embedded"

2012-01-08T09:01:00.015-05:00

Since its publication last summer, Witches has gotten a wave of praise from review media and readers like you. In the November issue, the Midwest Book Review Children's Bookwatch selected it in its Holiday Bookshelf, calling it "an exciting, colorful, Halloween tale in verse, with a tiny but definite message of inclusiveness triumphantly embedded in both text and illustration."

Here is the full review from the Midwest Book Review.
"Capering, rollicking young witches in masks prepare for a spooky night of entertainment. First they make a disgusting gooey, concoction which all must taste. Then they clean up and prepare to go trick or treating outdoors in the dark and spooky night. Amidst all the fun, masks, costumes, candy, and celebration is one small witch with braces on her legs and adaptive cuff crutches to help her walk independently. She joins in the fun and later on the walk for treats outside she is seen in the background being pushed in a nice wheelchair. No special attention is paid to this particular witch, she is simply included in the festivities. Meanwhile the Halloween verse tale follows an enchanted path to a happy evening of festive fun for youngsters. Witches is sure to appeal to children age 4 and up, and to adults who will be pleased at its thoughtful, unassuming content.”

Of course, you don't have to wait until Halloween to pick up this charming book. A six years old blogger from the blog Mother Daughter Reading Team has just read this book and wrote "I really liked it because it was about Halloween and it was fun because it was about witches." See? Oh, by the way, this little blogger is quite articulate: "I had no idea the witches were kids going trick or treating I thought they were real witches and it was silly because they were really just kids in costumes!" Now I know better why children love this book so much. It's a lovely and refreshing review by an articulate little book lover. See more what she (and her mother) says about the book at Mother Daughter Reading Team.

BUILDING STORIES by ISABEL HILL

2011-12-01T17:56:00.009-05:00

Buildings are like books with stories that last

They tell us our present and also our past!

The outside of a building says quite a lot.

About setting, about character, and even about plot.

Beloved Children’s Author Gives Advice to Parents of Budding Architects

National Building Museum Online sat down with Isabel to discuss her work and her advice for the parents of budding architects.

National Building Museum Online (NBM Online): As an urban planner and architectural historian, what motivated you to create books for young children?

Isabel Hill: Quite honestly, I was inspired to write my first children's book, Urban Animals, by my own daughter, Anna. When Anna was younger we used to take walks in Brooklyn where we live and I would always point out architectural details. One day, as we were wandering around our own neighborhood, I stopped to point out an interesting floral detail on a building and Anna interrupted me saying, "Mama, there is a dog on that building!" So my wonderfully-observant 5-year old daughter gave me the idea to create books for young children about architecture.

NBM Online: What was the inspiration behind your latest book, Building Stories?

Isabel Hill: For many years I worked as an urban planner in an old industrial neighborhood in New York. I walked by a building with spectacular, yellow, terra-cotta pencils on the outside and just had to find out why they were there. I researched the building and discovered that it was the Eberhard Faber Pencil Factory, famous for making those yellow, Number Two pencils that were used for generations all across America. Fast forward to two years ago: as I began to brainstorm about a second children’s book on architecture, the Eberhard Faber Pencil Company Building came to mind and inspired the book.

NBM Online: In Building Stories you look at the details of a building as being the characters, plot, and setting of a story. Have you always thought of buildings in this way?

Isabel Hill: No, this was a new concept for me but I think it works extremely well. Buildings do have stories and, when you think about it, what goes on inside can be mysterious as well as educational. Sometimes a building can have many plots and characters depending on what goes on inside and who is involved with the building.

NBM Online: What advice do you have for the young readers who enjoy your books?

Isabel Hill: I am so excited about these books and want them to be the catalyst for walking around one’s own neighborhood and observing all the interesting architecture that surrounds us. My advice would be to go out, walk the streets, take the books as your guides, but find your own architectural treasures. Photograph them, draw them, write about them, and share what you find with other children and adults.

NBM Online: What advice do you have for parents of budding architects?

Isabel Hill: I think it’s great for parents to read the books out loud, to help their children tackle some of the harder words, and to ask their children what they see in the books that relates to what they see in their own neighborhoods.

NBM Online: As an architectural photographer, what is your favorite city to photograph?

Isabel Hill: I must admit I love the city I now call home—New York—because it is so vast and has so many different kinds of buildings, architectural styles, and fantastic details. But Washington, D.C. is the place I used to call home, and I have a huge affection for the beautiful choreography of scale, material, and ornament that characterizes that city. Many years ago I worked in the Pension Building, now the National Building Museum’s home, for a part of the National Park Service that documents historic, industrial sites throughout the country. I loved working in this incredibly beautiful building where the architecture was alive with meaning and power! The National Building Museum, with its descriptive ornamental frieze, is actually a perfect place to start “reading a building.”

CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
Language arts, rhyme, vocabulary, appreciating history, neighborhood awareness, photographs, perspective, visual discrimination, informative text, social studies

ISBN 978-1-59572-279-9
40 pages, 10"x8"
All Ages
Hardback, $17.95
Paperback, $7.95
This title is available in:
English

To Purchase: StarBrightBooks.com, Amazon.com or your local book store

Book Giveaway- Janet Halfmann

2011-11-17T23:45:00.005-05:00

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

Janet Halfmann author of "Good Night, Little Sea Otter" will be giving 5 of her books away (including Little Sea Otter) during the Holidays. Follow the link to find out how to enter!

http://www.janethalfmann.com/news-a-events

Little Sea Otter is ready to go to bed, snug in his Mamma's lap, head against her chest, floating on the ocean's surface. Still, he fights his drooping eyes and mother's urgings, by saying good night to every animal he can see or hear, in and out of the ocean's calm blue waters.

32 pages,
10"x8 3/4"
ages 3-6
Paperback, $5.95

Anna and Natalie

2011-11-10T23:26:00.004-05:00

Star Bright Books is pleased to announce that Anna and Natalie, by Barbara H. Cole, has been selected to be included in the 2011 RIF Multi Cultural Collection.
RIF's Multicultural Book Collection, a set of 45 high-quality children's books curated by RIF's Literacy Advisory Board and Multicultural Advisory Committee. Nearly 600 collections will be distributed annually to select RIF programs across the country. The 2011/2012 collection features myriad cultures through the theme "celebration" and has accompanying activities aligned with the Common Core State Standards. A full list of titles is available at www.rif.org .

The first collection was presented on Nov. 3rd at Rif's 45th birthday party at the Library of Congress. 64 collections are being readied to go to DC Rif schools. 69 more collections will be going out to Macy's -related RIF programs between now and Christmas. About 400 will go out in the spring and about 60 during the first 8 months of next year. Activities will be online by 1/1. They are wonderful and will be available for free to anybody who goes to the RIF website.

http://www.rif.org/us/2011-multicultural-booklist.htm

Anna and Natalie
Winner, 2007 ASPCA® Henry Bergh Children’s Book Award
Every year a group of students from Mrs. Randall’s class
gets to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This year, the lucky students will be those who write the
best letter pleading their case. Anna and Natalie are determined
to win, and they submit a convincing letter inspired
by the role Natalie’s great-great-grandfather played in
World War II.

This story, with a surprising twist at the ending will teach
young children the power of believing in your own talents
despite disabilities and that we should recognize the unsung
heroes in our everyday lives.

Curriculum Guide: http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/aspca/Anna%20and%20Natalie.pdf

For additional information about RIF:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/reading-is-fundamental-celebrates-45-years-of-inspiring-young-readers-2011-11-03

To Purchase:
StarBrightBooks.com
ISBN-10: 1595721053
ISBN-13: 978-1595721051
$16.95 Hardcover
$6.95 Paperback

Cradle Me

2011-11-10T22:45:00.004-05:00

Introducing A New Title just in time for Native American Heritage Month!
http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/

"Cradle Me"
By Debby Slier
The rich Native American tradition of carrying babies safely, comfortably and close to their mothers in cradle boards endures to this day. Cradle Me celebrates Native American families and shows how they carry their babies and, with a fill-in-the-line feature, enables readers to translate the words to write their own language.

A portion of profit from this book will be donated to the National Indian Child Care Association

To order: (718) 784-9112 • fax: (718) 784-9012 • www.starbrightbooks.com

Cradle Me
Board Book
978-1-59572-274-4
$6.95 Retail

Star Bright Photoflaps Books: Cheryl Christian

2011-10-14T17:19:00.002-04:00

A Great Review from Jen Robinsons Book Page

Star Bright Photoflaps Books: Cheryl Christian
Books: Where Does It Go?, Where's the Baby?, and How Many?
Author: Cheryl Christian (with photos in Where's the Baby by Laura Dwight)
Pages: 12 per book
Age Range: 0 to 3
Star Bright Books sent me three board books from their Photoflaps series (Where Does It Go?, Where's the Baby?, and How Many? ). These books have been around for a while, but I just discovered them. In my mind, these are perfect for toddlers. They have photos of children, ordinary objects, and animals. And they have easy to lift flaps on every page-spread.

Where Does It Go? shows a baby and an object (diaper, shoe, etc.) on each page, and asks repeatedly "Where does it go?" The photo below the flap shows the answer (e.g. baby wearing diaper). The babies are all rather white-skinned in this one (which is not typical of Star Bright's books), but I like that one of the babies shown appears to be developmentally disabled. I like the quiet inclusion of this, without comment.
Where's the Baby? shows an item (toy, etc) and a location (high chair, playpen, etc.) on each page spread. Each pair is introduced ("Here's the baby's apple. Here's the high chair.") and then we have the common refrain, familiar to parents everywhere: "Where's the baby?" Below the flap, of course, we see the baby in the high chair holding the apple, and so on. This one is a bit more multi-ethnic than Where Does It Go, and certainly features universal themes.

How Many? is the most of fun, and the most educational, of the three, featuring both animals and counting. On each page we have some number of animals, plus, on the facing page, one more of the same animal. The text asks the child how many there are total. Then below the flap we see the animals together, and the number (e.g. "3 Three puppies!") The animals are all charming and kid-friendly (rabbits, ducks, kittens). Baby Bookworm turned again and again to the page with four bunnies, plus one more bunny. She especially seemed to like that some of the rabbits were white and some dark-colored.

There's not a lot of text to these books. You're not going to read them aloud to lull your child to sleep. But they are nice for interactive, educational play for toddlers. They have photos. They have babies, toys, and animals. And they have flaps. What more could anyone ask? Well, ok, I could maybe ask for the pages to be a bit thicker. The flaps are not as sturdy as, say, those in the DK Peekaboo series, and I foresee the need for scotch tape. But that's in part because I see this series getting a lot of use around our house. The Photoflaps books would make a great first or second birthday gift. Recommended.
Note: versions of these books are also available in other languages (Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, etc.)

Publisher: Star Bright Books
Publication Date: 2001
Source of Book: Review copies from the publisher

© 2011 by Jennifer Robinson of Jen Robinson's Book Page. All rights reserved.

http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/2011/09/star-bright-photoflaps-books-cheryl-christian.html#

Great Books for Great Kids (and parents!)

2011-08-18T13:09:00.003-04:00

The past week or so has been remarkably slower hereabouts - a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the past few weeks, though it's left everyone slightly restless (well, me at least!). However, you readers have been kept very busy with our books, so I thought I would dedicate today's entry to reviews from real people. Great books for great kids is our motto, and that's because we believe that kids deserve books that they will truly enjoy and that parents will want to read to their children. It is wonderful to hear that libraries and Publisher's Weekly enjoy our titles, but the best - and most meaningful - praise comes from those who are just like you - readers who like great books!

So, let's take a look. What have you been saying about our books?

WITCHES

"What a delightful book! One of the best Halloween picture books I have seen. The illustrations were awesome and all inclusive. Having a special needs child this was a pleasant surprise. I really appreciated that the illustrator included special needs children and portrayed them accurately as "normal" children. The text was fun...the author and illustrator were able to capture all the magic and fun of Halloween night without the scary side you often see in Halloween books. The book is a keeper!" - F. Cristina Gutierrez

"Halloween is still 2-1/2 months away but I couldn't resist this whimsical Halloween book...I love the illustrations. Perfect for preschool aged children." - Kathy Habel

"The illustrations are vividly colored, and writing rhythmical. You will enjoy reading this with your child or any child...this is a great book for children, and fun and entertaining for everyone - especially around Halloween. Overall rating: A." - Laura Koehler

BUILDING STORIES

"This is an entertaining introduction to architecture for young children...by looking at the different decorations adorning buildings, Hill shows kids that they can tell a good deal about a building, just by looking at the outside." - M. Scout Johnson

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

"Bright, colorful illustrations definitely captivate young readers as they are introduced to the wonderful characters of Small Medium Large. With minimal words children can grasp the math concept of bigger and smaller...a great way to introduce or reinforce early math skills. After reading this my little one, age 3, began gathering and sorting her toys, attempting to find her own versions of Enormous and Miniscule. Definitely sparks an interest!" - Ginny Blankenship

We love making books that people love. Nothing makes us happier!

Rata Pata Scata Fata!

2011-08-10T10:29:00.004-04:00

Yesterday started out as another sunny day, so yours truly did not think to check the weather forecast in the morning - which proved to be a very bad idea indeed. Midway through the day it stared pouring sheets and sheets - and I didn't even have a jacket with a hood! Luckily for me it let up just in time for the end of the workday, so I didn't get drenched on my commute home, but I've made a mental note to always keep a small umbrella on hand just in case - and to check the weather report every day!

Little Junjun doesn't want to do any work. He's a dreamer and would rather spend the day sitting outside watching the lizards in the yard, feeling the warm sun on his face, and savoring tasty tamarind jam. He wishes his chores would just do themselves! So he sits and makes wishes while saying rata-pata-scata-fata, and his chores somehow do complete themselves! But when everyone is tired at the end of the day and wants rain so that they don't have to fetch water, will rata-pata-scata-fata work?

Rata-pata-scata-fata is a fun book for kids to read. Silly phrases and pleasing repetition make this book by Phillis Gershator ideal for reading aloud to young children. Holly Meade's illustrations are colorful and bright, drawing readers in and adding a magic feel to this fun story while bringing the spirit of the Caribbean to life!

Grab your copy of Rata-pata-scata-fata today!

Available in hardcover & paperback editions.

A Donkey Reads does it again!

2011-08-08T16:47:00.003-04:00

As you may know, A Donkey Reads has been a hit sensation. A Junior Library Guild selection, just last month it was chosen as a featured title in the Midwest Book Review's July issue of Children's Bookwatch. Popular with reviewers across the board, it came as no surprise to us when we received notice from the Society of Illustrators that the artwork from A Donkey Reads has been selected to appear in this year's exhibit and catalog! This is truly an honor - only the best of the best artwork is selected for presentation at the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators. For those of you interested in seeing the exhibit, exhibition dates are from Wednesday, October 26th to Thursday, December 29th. We can't wait!

A Donkey Reads is available in both hardcover and paperback editions.
Find out more about A Donkey Reads at our website!

Learn more about the Society of Illustrators at their website.

Too Many Pears!

2011-08-02T12:40:00.002-04:00

Boy oh boy, is it hot out! After exiting the clinically cool office of my doctor this morning, I was blasted by an unrelenting wave of heat. Though the Star Bright offices are always so very chilled, from the windows you can see the world outside very literally melting away.

The only solution to this withering weather is to stay very, very hydrated. And in addition to tons and tons of water, I like to eat plenty of fruits.

You know who loves fruit? Pamela the cow. And one fruit in particular: pears. Lots of them. Pounds and pounds and pounds of them! Amy loves pears, too, but Pamela keeps eating them before anyone else can. Amy's family tries everything to keep Pamela away from their pears, but she always finds a way to get to her favorite food - even climbing through a wombat hole! But Amy devises a plan to get rid of Pamela's obsession for pears once and for all.

Too Many Pears! is my favorite Star Bright Books title. It is hilarious and charming, and adults will truly enjoy reading this book to their kids and laughing along. Readers have nothing but good things to say about Too Many Pears!:

"An enjoyable summer read, and a perfectly respectable inclusion on the well-read child's summer reading log!" wrote Lynne Ann Cutler, teacher. "This book is a fun, simple read for young children. The repetition makes it easy to pick out the oft-repeated words for the new reader, but it also offers some more difficult words—like wombat—for the emerging reader. This makes a great book to read out loud to children or for the beginning reader to tackle themselves," says yet another educator, Amie Gaudioso. School Library Journal raves that Too Many Pears! is "a real winner."

Get your copy today!

Down in the Subway

2011-07-28T10:11:00.002-04:00

This morning's commute was nightmarish. Subway delays, broken air conditioning, and cranky passengers made for a highly unpleasant trip. Hot and crowded, I would have given anything to have just the hint of a breeze to relieve my discomfort. Alas, no dice. Instead we were trapped in the tunnel for what seemed like eons. In an attempt to distract myself I studied a series of advertisements along the top of the subway car, which were enticing commuters to cast aside their suits, ties, and heels and fly off to a beautiful tropical island getaway. The white sand beaches, the hammocks strung between palm trees, the beautiful turquoise ocean beckoning. . .what I wouldn't give to be there instead of in the stifling heat!

Instantly I was reminded of Miriam Cohen's Down in the Subway. For Oscar and his mama, a hot subway ride leads into a magical adventure - thanks to the Island Lady. While the passengers fan themselves, Oscar twirls around a pole, sneaking peeks at the Island Lady. Finally she smiles and asks if he would like to see what is in her bag. When she reaches in, she pulls out first a cool blue Island breeze, then everything from the Caribbean Sea to delicious foods and even a whole Island town! The entire train has a party, enjoying the wonderful treat that the Island Lady has given them in lieu of their regular commute. Never has a subway ride been so exciting!

While this is certainly an exception from the norm, children will love reading Cohen's book over and over. Surprise adventure is always fun to read about, and who knows? Maybe on your next subway ride, you too will encounter the magical Island Lady! Pick up a copy of Down in the Subway today.

Pinwheel Days!

2011-07-27T10:35:00.003-04:00

It's a pleasant day here in the city. Today we found an injured baby bird in the warehouse and it's been in our office this morning, recuperating, so that's been really exciting!

Though it's still July, school is just around the corner. Sadly, August will be upon us and behind us in almost no time, and then it will be autumn. What better time to brush up your young one's reading skills? Reintroduce them to the wonderful world of reading with Ellen Tarlow's Pinwheel Days, a whimsical and fun early reader for young children. Featuring the lovable donkey Pinwheel, each of these four stories will draw children in with their fun and adventure. Children will love meeting Pinwheel's new friends, laugh at his mishaps, and immerse themselves in his playful world. Wrote School Library Journal of Pinwheel Days, "this early chapter book has charm and broad child appeal." Early Childhood News said that "this is a delightful collection of four easy-to-read short stories." Children's Literature praised the artwork of illustrator Gretel Parker, saying that her "breezy illustrations offer the perfect mix of color." Children and their grown-ups alike will enjoy spending time with Pinwheel and his friends Squirrel, Rabbit, and Owl. Don't miss out. Pick up a copy of Pinwheel Days today!

Come see Isabel Hill talk about Building Stories!

2011-07-26T16:21:00.003-04:00

Isabel Hill, author, illustrator, and photographer of Urban Animals, will be giving presentations on the following dates in support of her new book, Building Stories. Be sure to check it out - they're events you won't want to miss!

September 10th, 2011
Reading and Project, 11 AM - 1 PM & 2 PM - 4 PM
AIA Center for Architecture Foundation
536 LaGuardia Place, New York, NY

September 20th, 2011
Book Launch, 7 PM - 9 PM
The Old Stone House
336 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY

September 24th, 2011
Reading and Project, 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
The Skyscraper Museum
39 Battery Place, New York, NY

October 16th, 2011
Reading and Signing, time TBA
Book Court
163 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

November 13th, 2011
Reading and Project, time TBA
National Building Museum
401 F Street Northwest, Washington, D.C.

November 19th, 2011
Book Signing, 12 PM - 4 PM
Children's Book Fair
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY

December 4th, 2011
Reading and Project, time TBA
Children's Museum of Manhattan
212 West 83rd Street, New York, NY

SEE YOU THERE!

A Donkey Reads is featured in July 2011's Children's Bookwatch!

2011-07-26T14:58:00.002-04:00

Star Bright Books is pleased to announce that the Midwest Book Review has selected A Donkey Reads as a featured title in their July issue of Children's Bookwatch! The lushly illustrated, fanciful adaptation of a Turkish folktale tells the story of a poor villager named Mustafo, who must give a gift of tribute to his tyrannical Mongol ruler. Writes the MBR, "charming color illustrations bring the tale to vibrant life on the pages." Since its release, A Donkey Reads has been the recipient of much praise: The New York Journal of Books says "the book is a welcome addition to the relatively scanty supply of Turkish folktales for children." Publisher's Weekly agrees - "Mandell's (the No-Sweat Science series) retelling is a fine introduction to the dozens of tales about Nasreddin, the legendary 13th-century wise man." A sure hit with kids and adults alike, A Donkey Reads is wowing readers with its delightful illustrations and fun storyline.
A Donkey Reads is available in both hardcover and paperback editions.
A Donkey Reads is a Junior Library Guild selection.

Hip Hop is Happenin'!

2011-07-25T10:24:00.002-04:00

As many of you may know, Hip, Hop, Catherine Hnatov's hit board book, has been getting rave reviews. Writes Pamela Kramer of Examiner.com, "It's simple and yet elegant. It's eye catching and...just feels right." Says librarian Paula Phillips, "it is the perfect book to read to your baby and toddler." Crowding the Book Truck writes "It's never to early to be reading with children, and this looks like another great board book that will help children learn words, sounds, and letters." Hip, Hop was recently named as one of the Best Books for Babies in 2011 by the Fred Rogers Company. And the good news keeps piling in! Be sure to get your copy today. For more about Hip, Hop, please visit our website to get a sneak peek inside. Hip, Hop is available in English, Portuguese/English, and Spanish/English.

Star Bright Books Fall 2011 list!

2011-06-13T21:22:00.007-04:00

The happy rumpus of a school playground is fading out, as its little patrons are jumping into summer vacation. For some toddlers, this summer will mark their first beach walking, for some preschoolers, it will be their first camping trip. But wait. Before we start off the summer, let’s peek at delicious stories and pictures that Star Bright Books offers this fall. Remember the end of the summer last year? We all wanted to go back to books and bury our faces into pages when exhausted (though happily) after summer excursions. Toddlers and Babies, Children and Parents, I am very pleased to introduce Star Bright Books Fall 2011 list!

Urban Animals’ author, architectural historian and photographer, Isabel Hill takes us to the buildings we carelessly pass by. Young readers (and grown-ups) learn that buildings have settings, characters and plot just like the storybooks they love. Buildings Stories tells stories of their past, people who lived and worked there, what was made inside, if we look at them a little more closely—was it a pencil factory or a sailor’s house or a milk house? As it is in Urban Animals, the photo illustrations in the book will enchant children and adult alike.

The façade of buildings are not alone that tell “stories.” As My Face Book shows, the faces of babies absolute, remarkable, and adorable communicator of “stories.” Their faces totally lack elf-consciousness, being free to express their very emotions. Babies love looking at other faces, first, at their mothers! If you smile at them, they smile back at you. That’s how they communicate, right? Each spread page has an opposite expression, for example, silly and serious; frowning and smiling; laughing and crying; awake and sleepy. . . Looking at these adorable faces, we do feel responsible for making a better world for them, don’t we? Check out Crowing the Book Truck’s review.

After facial expression and babble stage, babies and toddlers begin to learn “words.” My First Words introduces words for every day things that surround babies and toddlers. From their bedroom to sunny summer back yards. They will explore everything by its name.

After learning their first “words,” they might realize the semiotic aspect of this world; they might have an enlightening experience as they find/learn new words they didn’t know before. When do children learn that English words are delightfully playful, like teeny weeny, itsy bitsy? Perhaps, from a lot of storybooks their parents read to them. Small Medium Large engages early readers to learn about all sizes of things and words for them through delightful illustrations. Ability to compare things and to relate one to another is an important development for children. Learning new words that sound awesome like “colossal” make curious kids want to learn more new words. Check out Fun with Little Mouse’s review.

If they learn enough words, they might try to learn even witch’s words and pass a spell on us. . . With Wish Williams’ magical colored illustrations, and Cheryl Christian’s rhyming words, in Witches, children embark on adventures as witches in real life—yes, Halloween.

Stories that generation after generation love, Lorna Balian’s A Garden for a Groundhog, and Lephechauns Never Lie will be out in paperback this fall, as will Lonek’s Journey, a boy’s courageous two-year journey in search of freedom during WWII.

Check out our website, and don’t miss what Star Bright Books offers even before the summer ends.

Book of the Day: Tim and the Iceberg

2011-06-10T10:03:00.005-04:00

It's summertime in the city and it's HOT out! I don't know that I've ever been this appreciative of how intensely air conditioned the Star Bright Books offices are...after being stuck in the cramped, suffocating subway and trekking through the heat from station to office, I had to take a moment upon arrival to simply bask in the glory that is AC. But even so, I'm excited for the weekend - it's finally time to shed those winter duds for good and get some sun!

It's a hot summer day for Tim and his grandpa, too. In Tim and the Iceberg, young Tim listens to Grandpa tell tales of the North Pole, where "it's so cold that the land is made of ice." Tim thinks that sounds wonderful, and his sense of adventure is piqued when he hears about icebergs - "huge mountains of frozen water." Tim decides to make a journey in his sailboat to the North Pole to bring back one of these fantastic icebergs for his grandpa, and along the way he meets all sorts of people and animals. But the return journey to warmer waters does not bode all that well for his surprise for Grandpa...

Tim and the Iceberg is sure to be a hit with kids. Paul Coates' fun story comes to life with Ian P. Benfold Haywood's colorful, bright, and beautiful illustrations. Children will enjoy revisiting this book again and again, regardless of the season. They will love letting their imagination set sail with Tim as he embarks on his journey to the north - and maybe they'll be inspired to one day take a trip of their own!

In the Dark Cave

2011-06-08T08:58:00.004-04:00

Did I mention that my little friend has turned four in May? Unlike me, he is so excited about growing old, on his fourth birthday, exuberantly shouting, “I am going to be five!” (Well, he has to wait quite a bit of time to be five…). I wonder what he perceives of that ever-growing number. Stronger, bigger, freer? Or a better understanding of the world he lives in, including different species that reside on earth with him?

For the last year, his interest in animals has exploded. Of course he has always loved animals and animal stories—even more so, when animals do silly things. But it was more like immediate, unconscious fascination with other creatures rather than human. Now, on top of that, animal ecology, animal habitat, and animal behavior become a great interest for him. He frequently uses the word “species.” He is particularly excited at animals that camouflage, animals that migrate, animals that employ tools, and animals that hibernate. He enthusiastically explains to me the visual and behavioral differences between meat-eating dinosaurs and plant-eating ones. While walking home from school, we encounter earthworms, caterpillars, robins, sparrows, and squirrels. He observes, he analyzes, he makes associations from one species to another. Yes, he is so into “zoology,” as are many kids around his age.

No wonder why In the Dark Cave –a story of a cricket, a rat, and a bat that live happily in a dark cave—caught his attention. In the depths of the cave, it is always night. Wait, how do they see in a dark cave; how do they find food, a place to sleep, and avoid bumping into walls? How do they navigate without any light? There, the story begins.

The cricket has super long feelers, the bat sings and navigates through the echoes of his songs, and the rat is the master of smelling things. Each one has a unique way of navigating without light. But one day, Alexander the explorer, who has a lamp on his helmet, enters the cave, leading the dark cave’s dwellers into amusing encounters with “light.”

A venerate, yet unconventional philosopher, writer, and a cave explorer himself (he is co-author of The Longest Cave) Richard Watson wrote a delicious and informative story about cave dwellers, with jolly rhyming. Renowned cartoonist Dean Norman’s black and white illustrations are simple, yet full of humor. They effectively convey the darkness of the deep cave, and its curious residents.

Read to Me

2011-05-01T20:28:00.004-04:00

April was National Poetry Reading Month. Belatedly, I am reading Judi Moreillon's Read to Me again and again, and recite it (privately). The book is a single poem— a simple rhyme, yet with wisdom-full verses that encourage and inspire parents to discover the joy and value of sharing stories with their children. Its gentle, yet joyous lines celebrate the time and memory of reading as a family. "Read to me," your little one will bring a book to you, babbling, smiling, or talking, you can almost hear it. More than anything, when reading a book together, parents and children dream together. Kyra Teis' illustrations are colorful and lively. Loving grandma, grandpa, moms and dads read with their little ones in the park, by the water, on the bed. Children read with their siblings, sitting on the stairs or lying on their tummies. The smiling faces of babies and families are from all different ethnicities.

Read to Me is a poem Judi wrote for Pima County Public Library's Project L.I.F.T. (Literary Involves Families Together), "to help young mothers learn that literacy is an important part of nurturing their babies."

The most enduring heritage that we can leave for our children is to guide them to learn the joy of reading. Here are the first few lines from Read to Me. Enjoy.

Read to me

and watch me grow.

Tell me all

the tales you know.

For in this life,

I’ll need a map.

Let it begin

upon your lap-

Visit Judi Moreillon's Website here. Read to Me is also available in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Spanish/English.

All about Eggs (and the Easter Bunny)

2011-04-22T10:34:00.005-04:00

Spring comes with Easter. Close to Easter, each day we witness the spring’s dominant presence in our backyard, streets, and neighboring parks. Easter is the day that we celebrate every thing that comes back to life after the long winter (literally and metaphorically). For children, it is about eggs, egg hunting, a bunny that lays eggs, and family gatherings, all of which carry out Easter’s spirit, and yes, fun. So here we have electrifying eggs and Easter bunny stories, Susan Glass’ The Great Eggscape and Lorna Balian’s Humbug Rabbit.

In The Great Eggscape, two villain protagonists, Benedict, aka “Benny,” a mean soul, and Aggie, a “hard-boiled type,” decided to escape their fate of becoming colored Easter eggs (“They ain’t got nuttin’ on me”), and wanted to have some fun. Cracking out of the carton, they roughed up everyone in the fridge and went on to the pantry. "They mashed the potatoes, stalked the celery, and tossed the salad.” Those peace loving foods are horrified, but helpless. Chocolate Chip was watching his favorite TV show, when interrupted by this gang. Unintentionally, Chip carries out the mission to beat the “rotten eggs,” while other food neighbors are watching and cheering (Ketchup says, “We’ll catchup soon” and Sugar bowl and Honey bottle exchange remarks, “Isn’t this eggs-citing, honey?” “Eggs-tremely, sugar!”). With clever word play and humorous comic-book style illustrations, this book delivers a delightfully action-packed story with an unexpected ending that kids will love.

Publishers Weekly calls The Great Eggscape “bad food pun extravaganza. . . The Bonnie and Clyde of the refrigerator set,” and praises Cornelius Van Wright's illustration, “ [his] lighthearted paintings kick this already entertaining entry up a notch. His vision of life in the rough-and-tumble world of egg crime features skillful drafting, believable textures, unexpected points of view, and dynamic use of space.”

As many people would agree, I think Lorna Balian is one of the best children’s book authors America has. She is a natural storyteller for children: whimsy, yet warm, sweet yet, with a twist, her stories and illustrations resonate with children’s imaginations so keenly and brighten their faces with smiles. Humbug Rabbit is as delightful as her other works, yet all the charms of her work is illuminated even more.

Granny lives with Gracie, the hen who lays one egg every day, Otto, the rooster, and a devilish cat, Barnaby (you will see why she is devilish!). It is spring now and Easter is coming. Granny has invited her grandchildren for an Easter egg hunt, but Granny can’t find Gracie’s eggs. Granny was worried about Gracie. Meanwhile, the rabbit children who live in the burrow right below Granny’s house, just heard all about Easter from the mouse that lives in the next burrow. They are convinced that their father is the Easter Bunny (the mouse told them so!), and ask him when he is going to start laying Easter eggs. “There is no Easter Bunny!” “Rabbits do not lay eggs!” Father Rabbit exclaims to his children. But, well, the mouse’s story is more convincing. In the mean time, the devilish cat Barnaby helps Granny find her eggs (Gracie has hidden them), and Granny colors and hides them for the Easter egg hunt. It is Easter morning now. Will Father Rabbit really lay eggs?

Each spread page of the book is divided into two worlds: on top is above ground with Granny, and on the bottom is the rabbit family burrow. The two different worlds meet happily on Easter day with colorful surprises that bring joy to everyone, and big smile to readers.

PW’s review of A Donkey Reads

2011-04-08T10:31:00.002-04:00

PW has published a review of A Donkey Reads, calling it “a fine introduction [for children] to the dozens of tales about Nasreddin, the legendary 13th-century wise man.” Indeed, the protagonist of the story, Nasreddin Hoca, an imam, a teacher, a judge who lived in the 13th century in Anatolia (now Turkey) is a celebrated historical figure, tales about him are widely read/told in Turkey and the Middle East. He is a sage, yet full of wit. In A Donkey Reads, Nasreddin teaches a donkey to read to save a poor villager, Mustafo from the tyrannic Mongol ruler. Muriel Mandell’s retelling of this tale is engaging: readers will learn the secret of a donkey reading, and therefore, “thoroughly enjoy watching the Mongol leader get his comeuppance”(PW). PW also praises the artwork: “Portuguese artist Letria paints figures in a naïf, folk-art style nicely suited to this traditional story; their movements are puppet-like, yet their expressions are convincing, even moving. Full-bleed spreads alternate with entertaining spot illustrations of rows of villagers or miniatures of their offerings to the Mongol leaders.”

To read the full review from PW, click here, to read our blog posting click here.

A Donkey Reads is also Junior Library selection.

2011-04-07T12:17:00.004-04:00

Good Night, Little Sea Otter’s author Janet Halfmann talks about her works and life as a children’s book writer with VS Grenier, editor of Stories for Children’s Magazine on Blog Talk Radio. Award-winning author of more than 30 children’s books, Janet’s new books include Star Bright Books’ Good Night, Little Sea Otter, which has been very well-received by children’s literature blogosphere, as well as by readers. Learn more about Janet, and her works, visit the magazine’s April issue that features Janet, and listen to her talk! (did you know that before being a full time children’s book writer, she had been a waitress, grocery store checker, daily newspaper reporter, editor of a national children’s magazine, and a creator of coloring and activity books? And did you know that she writes “in an upstairs office that overlooks a huge old maple tree?”)

Big Box for Ben

2011-04-07T10:48:00.005-04:00

I am often amazed at wonderful toys and craft tools today (iPad included), many of which certainly spark and cultivate children’s imagination, creativity, and critical thinking. On the other hand, I wonder if children’s imagination is somewhat manufactured or confined by those educational/fun/creativity boosting toys and crafts. In an abundance of toys and crafts (and yes, iPad included), children may not have a chance to exercise their full capacity of creativity and imagination.

My not-yet-four year old friend loves playing with twigs and sticks as much as he loves playing with Lego toys. Out of twigs, we make a ladder, a flag pole, and a mast for a boat. Of course, empty cardboard boxes are always one of his favorites. It turns into a cave where his miniature dinosaurs have lived(hidden) for many years, into simply a hide-and-seek place, or into a firetruck that he is in charge of. He even made a space shuttle out of packaging foam. Nothing goes to waste; everything is recycled into fun toys. With cardboard boxes, my friend's world expands as far as he wants it to, constructing his own adventurous narrative. So does our little friend Ben.

Deborah Bruss's Big Box for Ben is simple, yet adorable story that young children will immediately identify with, even be inspired by! Ben has a big box. It’s a simple, ordinary cardboard box. But as Ben and his dog, Wags unfold their journey, the box become as many things as Ben imagines: it turns into a race car; a boat that he can paddle; a top of a mountain where he almost reaches the sky; the back of an elephant he is proudly riding on. And at the end, it turns into a cozy place where Ben and Wags fall asleep hugging each other after their extraordinary adventure. A simple, rhythmical text fits perfectly to read aloud with a young child, and Tomek Bogacki's illustrations creates Ben's dog, Wags as a silly companion that brings smiles to young readers. Big Box for Ben cheerfully articulates that children create their own amazement out of ordinary things only geared by their powerful imagination. Toys and craft tools may be wonderful, but cardboard boxes are inspiring. Join Deborah Bruss for a reading, signing, and play-date at Barnes and Noble in Manchester, NH, on May 7th (from 11 to 1:00). Of course, there will be plenty of boxes for the kids to play in (and with).

Down in the Subway

2011-03-22T10:52:00.005-04:00

For many children, riding the subway is not a mere means to travel from one point to another. The sheer sound of a train coming and going; getting on, getting off; the conductor’s calling, “Next stop... ;” looking at the seemingly tangled, yet, colorful subway maps, these are all little things grown-ups find indifferent if not annoying, but children are fascinated with. If the subway is the New York City subway, the excitement (or annoyance) would be tripled!The local, express, uptown, downtown, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or A, B, C, N, Q, R, S. You would be riding with a huge crowd of people wherever you go, all different faces, colors, dresses, and a babble of languages. Then there, if you are very lucky, you would encounter the Island Lady, as little boy Oscar did. She has a “fine islands smile,” a broad, and welcoming smile that invites shy Oscar to somewhere beyond the subway.

In Miriam Cohen’s Down in the Subway, Oscar was riding the # 1 train with his mother and baby brother. It is a hot day. Peeking at the Island Lady, Oscar is wondering what is in her big Island bag? She smiles, and pulls out things(!) she carries in her colorful straw bag- a cool blue Island breeze; Ackee rice, guava, coconut tarts, soursop soup, a delicious Caribbean meal that everyone in the subway has plenty of; and Calypso Man and a steel band. Then the Island lady pulls out a Caribbean town, where people start doing the jump-up. So do the reserved New Yorkers in the subway. Down in the subway, where it might not be a very pleasant place on a hot summer day, there, Oscar gets the tropical vacation.

Miriam Cohen’s vivacious story becomes even more lively and enchanting by Melanie Hope Greenberg’s colorful, rich, and creative illustrations (click here to learn more about Greenberg’s fabulous art). Exciting news for all of us: On April 14, Melanie Hope Greenberg will be at the 2011 Texas Librarian Association Conference (April 12-15, Austin, Texas) doing a book signing of Down in the Subway ( from 1pm to 3pm). Come and join us at Star Bright Books booth #1428 if you are in Austin. Greenberg has donated original picture book art for the 2011 TLA Disaster Relief Fund raffle. The raffle will take place at 4pm on April 14. Good luck to all, and to all good luck!

The Cats of Mrs.Calamari

2011-03-08T09:50:00.003-05:00

Growing up in a developing country (1970s South Korea), I rarely got my hands on picture books. Sure, there were many children’s books, and from the age of 5 or 6, I was an avid reader. But not picture books, let alone silly, mischievous, whimsical, yet adorable characters’ adventures with their sillier companions (cats, pigs, dogs, and monkeys) or those whimsical animals’ larger than life adventures. Certainly nothing like lots and lots of cats dressed in air force uniforms, or Texas rancher outfits, or a cat resembling Captain Ahab (you should really look for it!) as in John Stadler’s The Cats of Mrs.Calamari. So I take much pleasure reading picture books for this blog, particularly the silliness and whimsy of this story, delivered in pictures page after page. With the inspiring silliness, The Cats of Mrs.Calamari is also a visual festivity for me. So is for my not-yet-four-year-old friend, whose eye for detail is remarkable. Watching him intensely studying the pictures, I wish I would have grown up knowing those books. But nothing is ever too late.

On Monday morning, Mrs. Calamari is moving into her fine apartment, with her many, many cats. On Tuesday, the new landlord, Mr. Gangplank, informs her of a no-cats policy in the building, starting the coming Sunday. Fortunately for Mrs.Calamari, Mr.Gangplank has lost his glasses, so can’t clearly see whether the cats in Mrs. Calamari’s apartment are real, or just statues of cats as Mrs. Calamari assures him. But he has his doubts. So Mr. Gangplank and his dog, Potato, keep their eyes on Mrs. Calamari’s apartment and all her "relatives" coming and going, who look exactly like cats (but he can’t say for sure). Meantime, the gentle Mrs.Calamari and her very nice cat-like relatives save Mr. Gangplank from fire and getting stuck in the window. Now it’s Saturday, Mr. Gangplank invites Mrs. Calamari and her "relatives" to the beach for a celebration of his soon-to-be cat-free life. Then, at the beach, he finds his long-lost glasses. Oh, what will happen to Mrs. Calamari’s cats?

This charming book was a Booklist Editor's Choice, Best of the Best selection by the Chicago Public Library and selected for Read Aloud America. If you happen to be in New Hampshire, visit the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, where you will “Step into a Story” of The Cats of Mrs.Calamari, a permanent life-size exhibit of Mrs. Calamari and her cats.

Welcome to a world of color, and to “Yum, Yum”

2011-03-04T21:24:00.003-05:00

For moms and dads (and grannies), watching their children eat fills their hearts with joy. Watching their tiny mouths munch food is just irresistible. For babies and toddlers, watching their parents eat is not so interesting. However, watching animals eating (pets, farm animals, or zoo animals, anything not human) fascinates them. They understand that animals are different from humans, so when animals act just like them, it is something truly special. Eating, strangely, becomes an adorable thing to watch. Animals get excited when they see their favorite food, which in turn excites babies and toddlers. When a sheep gently licks their little palms, when a donkey munches on an apple so close they can hear the crunch, the world is filled with magic.

In Catherine Hnatov’s Yum, Yum, friendly animals munch on their favorite foods, making a happy (and familiar) noise: “yum, yum.” The foods are in bright colors, with the animals in contrasting bold black and white. Yum, Yum combines two eye-catching components for babies: animals eating and the world of color (donkey eats a red apple; sheep eats yellow flowers, and so on). In every other page, featuring the same bright color as the food, appears simple text. Babies and toddlers, welcome to the world of color and to “Yum, Yum.”

2011-02-18T12:25:00.001-05:00

Star Bright books is happy to announce that the winner of the raffle at ALA Midwinter for the basket of books is Patty Carleton of the St Louis Public Library!

A sage full of clever wit and tricks

2011-02-17T09:50:00.003-05:00

Folktales are a unique way to discover, explore, thus appreciate other cultures beyond time and space. Their narratives are usually simple, often accompanying moral lessons. Yet, they observe acutely the very core of human conflicts, but always bring resolutions through wit, humor, and clever tricks. And such a humour never fails to radiate in human hearts. Although not well-known to Western readers, Nasreddin Hoca, an imam, a teacher, a judge who lived in the 13th century in Anatolia (now Turkey) is a widely celebrated historical figure. The tales of him are widely read in Turkey and the Middle East. He is a sage, yet full of wit, a down-to-earth figure who brings justice (or compromise) with laughs and giggles. In A Donkey Reads, Muriel Mandell retells a story of this witty sage for children from preschool to early graders. This time, Nasreddin teaches a donkey to read to save a poor villager, Mustafo.
During the Mongol rule in Turkey, there lives a poor villager named Mustafo, who must give a gift of tribute to his tyrannical Mongol ruler. The only thing he can offer to the ruler is his old donkey. But when he presents it to the Mongol, the Mongol is furious and threatens him with death. Then, Nasreddin Hoca, the wise village man, assures the Mongol that this donkey is not ordinary, and he will soon teach it to read. A month later, indeed, the donkey reads a thick book by turning pages so quickly. What is Nasreddin’s trick to teach a donkey to read?

A Donkey Reads is lushly decorated with Andre Letria’s illustrations that are deep and rich in acrylic color, and detailed in every expression, even in the mice, that young readers find it fascinating. The Junior Library Guild’s pick.

A Sweetheart for Valentine

2011-02-09T20:00:00.005-05:00

Does anyone really know the real, original, and truthful origin of Valentine’s Day? If you are not certain, here is the very palpable, sweet as your little ones, witty as your first love in junior high, and thoughtful as your significant other: A Sweetheart for Valentine by wonderful Lorna Balian. My not yet four years old friend liked it, shimmering sweet smiles as I read it to him. I doubt, though, he understood it fully as much as I did. I think this is more my cup of tea than his.

One morning, people in the peaceful small village of St. Valentine find a giant baby girl. She doesn't belong to anyone, so the villagers decide to raise her all together (true, it takes a whole village to raise a child!). Unlike anyone, she has one great-grandfather (he has a long, long white beard), three great-grandmothers, six grandfathers, seven grandmothers, eleven mothers and fathers, and many more sisters and brothers. They name her Valentine and find ways to care for her as she grows. Whenever there seems an issue for her well-being, Great -grandfather calls for a special meeting to find a solution collectively, and they always do (they even build a house that grows with her. How? With vines and sunflowers!). Then one early morning, they find a very large young man stuck in the mud. Is he a sweetheart for Valentine?

It’s a lost-in-time fascination to look at Balian’s illustrations, as much as her playful and rhythmical words. Whenever they hold a special meeting, responses from villagers are so distinguished and livelyㅡthe loving nature of mothers, wisdom-full nature of grandmothers, logic-driven, yet caring nature of fathers, supporting and fun nature of grandfathers, and we-can-help nature of sisters and brothers. Every time I read it aloud, it leaves a I-am-happy smile on my face. I can’t help it.
*Another spoiler: Valentine and the big young man were not in “love at first sight” (as it doesn’t often happen in real life), but became so fond of each other as they learned more about each other (as it happens in real life).

George didn’t get enough Valentine’s Day Cards. What can we do for him?

2011-02-06T12:59:00.006-05:00

“The kids LOVE Valentine's Day,” said my friend Aiko, a 3rd grader teacher. “Each student makes a mailbox (usually out of a shoe box or big envelop decorated in pink and red with their names on it)....They are still young, so they don't understand the 'boy+girl" love per say, but it is a fun day when they get thoughtful notes from the classmates!” With that excitement and happiness, their cheeks would turn red, and lively chatters, laughs and giggles would fill the classroom. But if, someone doesn’t get many cards, and feel sad? (as it always happens in real life!). In Bee My Valentine, Miriam Cohen lively and warmly depicts the first graders’ Valentine’s Day, accompanied by Ronald Himler’s gentle illustrations.

Valentine’s Day is coming, and the first graders are excited about choosing/making Valentine’s cards; what they would write and to whom; and of course, the cards they will receive. The teacher tells everyone to send a card to everyone else in the class so nobody will feel left out. On Valentine’s Day, however, George gets fewer cards than everyone else. George runs away and hides in the coat room, crying. All the first graders think hard about how to cheer him up, and altogether, they find a way.

Bee My Valentine is part of Star Bright Books’ Social & Emotional Development Story Series, books that engage children to think, understand and find a solution to problems they encounter at school, home and on playgrounds. In a report published recently, researchers found that students who took part in social and emotional learning programs improved in grades and standardized-test scores by 11 % compared with nonparticipating students. Written by Miriam Cohen and illustrated by Ronald Himler, the series also includes titles such as Will I Have a Friend; Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire; Layla’s Head Scarf ; and others. “We Love First Grade!™” series.

So different, so alike, babies everywhere!

2011-01-30T18:44:00.013-05:00

Turning a page of a board book is a great activity for babies, anticipating another colorful picture appearing. But we know, they are grabbing, holding, sucking, and often chewing it rather than reading it. They certainly do not comprehend what mommy reads, but hear mommy’s voice that always excites and comforts them. The simple, repetitive, rhythmic words ring in their ears, while colorful pictures hold their short attention. For babies, board books are one of the first navigators into the world they don’t yet know.

One of the much-read children’s book blogs, Jennifer Robinson’s Book Page recently posted a great review on two board books from our Babies Everywhere series, Families and Carry Me, saying “these two books are an excellent addition to our library of board books... and a great addition to, say, a basket of books delivered to a new baby.”

In Families, each left hand page shows photographs of multi-ethnic babies and adults walking, playing, sharing food, swimming, and cuddling, and on each facing page are charming photographs of animals doing the same. “Like Mommy cuddles me, a baby in a picture hugged tightly in his mommy’s arms, so is a baby chimp; all mommies are bigger than their babies as my mommy is bigger than me,” your baby might think.

In my native culture (Korea), people carry their babies on their back (mostly mothers/grandmothers) in a wadded quilt baby wrapper. So when I saw women carry their babies on their side in Indonesia (mostly without support of any extra fabric), it was a bit of surprise, and, say, a sort of enlightenment. Carry Me is a wonderful portrait of cultures across the globe with vibrant photographs of babies carried in unique ways. Easy to flip the page for very young children. The simple and repetitive text will slide into their ears.

In addition to sucking, grabbing and chewing, with these books, babies will slowly build awareness of cultural diversity and similarity in human and animal activities. They are a National Geographic for babies.

Happy Birthday, Brian Wildsmith!

2011-01-22T12:47:00.005-05:00

Yeeaaa! One of the greatest living children’s illustrators, innovator of children’s picture books, Brian Wildsmith was born today in 1930, so much joy for children and adults around the globe. A son of a miner, he grew up in a small mining village in Yorkshire, England, where everything was grey. He was poor like everyone else in the village, so it didn’t much matter. “Everything was grey. There wasn’t any colour. It was all up to my imagination. I had to draw in my head...”

The imagination, against all odds, was, indeed, the source of inspiration that made him who he is today. He won a scholarship to the Slade School of Fine Art where he studied for three years. But teachers at the school would not let him paint what he imagined. “They’d try and make you paint like them.” But he wants to make children “want to paint. Not to copy, but to think” (Interview in Book Trust). For a while he taught music at the Royal Military School of Music, but then gave it up so that he could paint full time. In 1962, he published his first children’s book, ABC, for which he was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal, Britain’s equivalent to the Caldecott Medal.
In 1994, the Brian Wildsmith Art Museum was established in Izukogen, a town south of Tokyo, Japan, and when the Fuji Art Museum in Tokyo hosted a traveling exhibition of his work in 2004, almost one and a half million people visited the museum.

“I believe that beautiful picture books are vitally important in subconsciously forming a child’s visual appreciation, which will bear fruit in later life,” says Brian Wildsmith. When asked why so much details in his illustrations, he assures us saying “I believe children appreciate details as well as color. I want to help young people wonder at the world and to become close observers of the beauty and harmony in nature.”

I wish I could see how your brush strokes are rendered on the white canvas, that lead us to a world of imagination. Happy Birthday, Brian Wildsmith! I am going to dive into your wonder of color all day long, here in New England, where everything is white, and below zero cold.
Dear readers, visit the Brian Wildsmith Website, where little birds from colorful bushes welcome you, flapping hard their tiny wings.

What does the groundhog really see? Shadow or food?

2011-01-21T13:50:00.003-05:00

Children never complain about the weather: they love freezing and snow blocked ‘inconvenient’ ( grown-ups’ perspective) winter as much as they love hot sweaty ‘unpleasant’ (grown-ups’ perspective) summer. Yet, they do long for spring when winter seems too long (mainly to be free from a heavy coat, I figure). Still in the middle of deep winter, everyone is getting “restless,” and that’s around February. Luckily, Groundhog Day is right on February 2, which will tell us how much more winter fun we will have or when winter will be over.

Groundhog Day is a folk custom and a tradition that puzzles and amuses children in a way no other “days” do. It gives them a chance to know the ways farmers used to live, to learn about certain beliefs, and getting familiar with unfamiliar animals (like a groundhog), and their behaviors. Lorna Balian, one of the much-beloved children’s book authors, whose books are often passed down from a mother to a daughter, captures all aspects of this unique tradition in A Garden for a Groundhog, in a playful manner, let alone her much praised illustrations.
Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary live in a small cottage with their cat in a small farm that has a tiny shed for the goat, the lamb and two chickens, and a tiny vegetable garden. There is also an apple tree, under which a groundhog, who loves vegetable as much as the O’Learys, owns his burrow, and hibernates there. All winter long the O’Learys spend time knitting and reading, and eating a lot of zucchini dishes. But Mrs. O’Leary and Mr. O’Leary have a little different opinion about a groundhog. When Groundhog Day came they went out to see what the groundhog saw!

The water-color illustrations are so distinguished- detailed touch, gentle lines, and, the warmth of colors is radiated in page after page. There are five kitchen scenes in the book, which are slightly different one from another, that make me restless to find out what has been altered!: the stove, the sink, the calender, the cat, the “Home Sweet Home” picture, the number of zucchinis, and a lot more.

A Garden for a Groundhog can be read on many different levels (I didn’t get why they eat so many zucchini dishes when reading it for the first time), from preschoolers to early graders would find different giggling (and learning) points in their own ways. A Garden for a Groundhog is lovely and playful just like the lamb, the goat, and hens peeking outside of a shed on a snow falling winter night, or kicking-up their heels in the spring grass. And Lorna Balian tells a story in a way a grandmother tells a story in her warm kitchen when the snow falls quietly.

2011-01-17T08:54:00.003-05:00

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
I Have a Dream speech, August 28, 1963

As we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., it struck me that his message is always in the present, not just in the past. Children, no matter where they are coming from, what they might show in their character or talent or not, each one of them are a unique, and distinguished being with full potential. It’s our responsibility to let them shine in their own way.

Children love tricks, so do jungle animals

2011-01-13T12:37:00.004-05:00

Children love tricks. Don’t they? My little friend, on the way home from preschool, he often stops and asks me if I want to see his new tricks, which mainly involves jumping, kicking, spinning... spinning with kicking, and kicking with jumping. Then he proudly shows me his new tricks, so enthusiastic as if a professional gymnast would confide his new skills to his circle of close friends.
Children love watching a circus or clown shows like juggling balls (and clubs), power tumbling, hat tricks, and balancing on a rope, and of course swinging in the air. They laugh, they giggle, they are appalled, they hold their breath, they shout with joy, and they clap as hard as they can.

As he has always done, Brian Wildsmith brought another wonderful story to us: this time, one full of fun and amazing tricks by not clowns, but by wild animals in a jungle. In Jungle Party, the hungry Python announced a party and invited all jungle animals. First, the animals were skeptical of the sly snake’s invitation. But the Python promised that he would not hurt anyone at the party, and suggested a great idea for a party- the trick competition. Who would not love the party? And showing their proud tricks? So here goes a team of a Gnu, jungle fowls, and a chameleon. Jungle fowls stand on beaks on Gnu’s back, and a Chameleon catches insects. The audience says, “Not bad. Not bad.” A Hyena walks on 2 melons for 20 yards. The animals were very impressed. “That’s great. That trick will be hard to beat.” A Spotted leopard and 4 monkeys stand on their heads on the leopard’s back. The audience went wild, “Wow. These tricks are getting better and better.” A Pelican collects many animals in its beak. Then, the hungry Python says he can get more animals into his mouth than the Pelican. Everyone is too excited to be cautious... What will happen to them?

Animals and their tricks performances are rendered in Wildsmith’s magical colors, and the tricks are just fun and amusing. The responses of animal audiences make you giggle. Full of wit and zest, Jungle Party is another wonderful story children would love.
p.s. As you may have noticed, in the month of January, we are exploring more about Brian Wildsmith’s books here. What is your (and your child’s) favorite Brian Wildsmith’s book?

Teaching compassion

2011-01-10T11:07:00.005-05:00

A friend of mine has invited me to go with her to Karen Armstrong’s talk on Thursday. A renowned British writer for her books on religious philosophy, will talk about her recent book, Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. I haven’t read the book yet, but the idea of compassion has always fascinated me with many questions: simple questions like are we born with compassion or do we learn it from life? Is compassion a remarkably human thing? How far can our compassion be extended? In ancient China, the great Confucius thinker Mencius wrote four virtues of men, which starts with compassion: “The heart of compassion is the sprout of benevolence...” Can compassion be taught without being so didactic? Can compassion be a pure pleasure? Are children more compassionate than adults?

I was reading Brian Wildsmith’s Hunter and His Dog (I am re-reading Wildsmith’s books as much as I can before his birthday. Yeah! January 20th is the day. It’s my own private celebration of his birthday. I don’t think he knows, but that’s totally okay!)
A hunter was training his new puppy as his new hunting partner, and one day, he took him on a real hunt. He shot a wild duck, the duck fell to the ground. The hunter told the dog to bring the duck as he trained him to fetch sticks and eggs. But when the dog went to fetch the duck, he could not bear to retrieve the wounded duck. Instead, the dog brought sticks back to the hunter and took the wounded duck to a little island. Each time when they went hunting, the dog took wounded ducks to a little island where they could heal, and every night he brought a loaf of bread to the ducks. Then one night, the hunter followed the dog.....

Hunter and His Dog is a story of compassion. The tender-hearted dog shows remarkable compassion towards wounded ducks, the helpless, the weak, and acts on their behalf, despite it being against the authority. Brian assures us that compassion is not just a human thing. When asked why he chooses to paint and write about animals, Wildsmith says,
“We once had a blind dog that was mothered by a neighborhood dog. I was quite impressed by this and learned that animals show a great deal of compassion for one another. When I paint animals, I imagine them as a child would. I want children to make personal connections to the animals in my books.”

Begin the Year with Poetry

2011-01-05T10:00:00.006-05:00

Happy New Year to all! It’s always good to have a new year; a new start, a new chance to reclaim (oneself), to be hopeful again, and make a new new year’s resolution; a new wish list, things to do, things to learn, places to go, and above all, books to read! In the case of books, a list is always involved with classics, either not-yet-read (shame) or re-reading a list of books that we would always return to.

No other books would do better than A Child’s Garden of Verses, Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless poems for children. The book has been in print since 1885, and is now illustrated by Brian Wildsmith’s stunning art. The year that is begun with poems, I suppose, cannot go wrong. It’s not April yet, not a national poetry month. But reading poetry gives children an appreciation for reading aloud. We all know children are very keen to hear rhyme, and rhythm and that’s how they come to know the joy of playing with language.

Read aloud to your child as poetry is supposed to be. Recite poetry with your child, one by you, another by your child. Perhaps, each night or each morning like a ritual. In the book, there are plenty of poems that resonate with a child’s every mood and imagination; whimsical, silly, exuberant, and melancholy. Then just hold a moment to study Brian Wildsmith’s enthralling wonder of color, magical brushstrokes that makes us happy again, dream again, imagine wild again, silly again and smile again. So will the year of 2011 be to all!

Stories without words, without borders

2010-12-17T09:44:00.005-05:00

My friend is drawn to a book that has many words, which, by the way, he has absolutely no idea what the words, and sentences mean. He is three and a half. Anyway, he reads (rather he gazes at the pictures), so focused. I guess he is under the spell of the illustrations as he turns the pages, and unwritten stories unfold. I don’t dare interrupt him, but wonder what he is thinking, what he perceives, what he imagines. I should ask him what the story is about. Then he would tell me the story, the story only he can tell... Children enter the world of literature (or simply stories), not just by words, but also pictures that hold their eyes, and enchant them.

In Giora Carmi’s A Circle of Friends, a boy goes to a bakery and gets a muffin for a treat. On his way back home, the boy sees a homeless man sleeping on a bench. He looks at his muffin, having taken only a few bites...hesitates, then leaves his muffin for the homeless man. The man wakes up, surprised, and happily eats the muffin. The man sees birds in a nest, and leaves some crumbs for them. The story goes on, the boy’s kindness brings unexpected, yet, joyful moments to the boy. The story is told in wordless pages, only through illustrations.

This wordless story can travel to any corner of the globe, beyond borders, beyond languages, as does kindness. Kindness, Giora Carmi whispers, goes beyond borders, whether between strangers or between people and animals. Then as the title says, we are all in a circle of friends, where miracles of kindness happen (or the law of kindness is discovered). The quiet kindness and sharing are the spirit of the holiday seasons that we remember most, and have our children grow with.

p.s. For little children, telling a story of a wordless picture book may not be an easy task at first. They need our interaction, and theatrical(?) help. Becoming a storyteller from a listener, I guess, is unknown to them, yet, an exciting experience for them. As it often happens with children who have imaginary friends, this experience will expand their vocabulary, and ability to form a narrative. I wonder how would the same wordless book be rendered in different cultures, let’s say, by a boy in New York or by a girl in Peru or in China? But all stories will be unique in their own way, the story that only the child can tell. Monroe County Public Library (Indiana) has compiled a list of the books without words.

Sweet and Gentle Bedtime Story, Good Night, Little Sea Otter

2010-12-13T14:20:00.009-05:00

The sun is setting, so is Little Sea Otter in Mother’s arms. But he is not ready for bed yet. Perhaps, so much fun was his day-giggling, splashing, swimming, grooming and cuddling with his friends under the shining sun. Then he remembered he didn’t say good night to harbor seals. So he waves to the harbor seals, “Good night, harbor seals.” Then to sea lions, to orange fish, yellow fish, purple fish; to sea urchins, to sea stars, to clams and crabs. One by one, Little Sea Otter says “Good night,” to all his sea friends. Between the hubbub of good night exchanges, there are giggling moments. Now Little Sea Otter is ready for bed and sweet dreams, tucking himself into Mother’s warm chest. Mother Otter rolls kelp over them for the night’s long sleep. Wait, Little Sea Otter forgot to say good night to the twinkling stars and the moon. So he did.

In Good Night Little Sea Otter, Janet Halfmann captures young children’s sweet and genuine nature that often comforts the grown-ups. When the story is ending, you would imagine the satisfying smile of a child, her eyes slowly closing, and the night’s peace would fall over her face.
The ocean, home to the most diversified creatures, the colourful fishes, sea mammals, and all sea creatures are illuminated in Wish Williams’s eloquent illustrations. Above all, Little Sea Otter, the furry sea mammal becomes irresistibly adorable.
The Children’s and Teens’ Book Connection posted a review, recommending Good Night, Little Sea Otter to “anyone looking for the perfect bedtime story.”

Well, then, good night, Little Sea Otter. Sleep tight, Sweet dreams.

Ernest H. Shepard, the Illustrator of Winnie-the-Pooh

2010-12-10T10:53:00.002-05:00

Ernest H. Shepard, who drew the magical lines that gave a shape, personality, mood and soul to the world of Christopher Robin-the forest, Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga, Tiger, and of course, Winnie-the-pooh, was born on this very day (December 10), many years ago, precisely in 1879. Much blessing to all generations of children to come to befriend with the “silly old bear,” Winnie-the-Pooh, and growing up with him in his forest. Remember the way Pooh was coming downstairs?: “bump bump bump, on the back of his head, behind Christopher Robin.” Or, the Pooh hanging high up on the branch to get honey from the bees. Or, Pooh that couldn’t get out of the Rabbit house after eating way to much honey and condensed milk. A week later, Christopher Robin and all animals in the forest had to come to pull him out of the Rabbit’s front door(hole). Or, how Christopher fixed Eeyore’s tail with a tiny nail that sticks out, that made mostly gloomy Eeyore so happy running in circles. So delicious! We all have our favorite moment of Pooh in action, don’t we?

E.H Shepard was born in London to a mother who was a daughter of a water-colorist, and to a father, an architect by profession, and an amateur actor. Rawle Knox, the author of The Works of E. H. Shepard (1980) wrote: “He was born, of imaginative parents, into a world which he found romantic almost as soon as he could use his eyes and ears.”
(His happy boyhood in the Victorian era was so well captured in his memoir Drawn from Memory (1957). No wonder how he could capture the mind of children, and their imaginations so well in his drawings. He reminisces of his boyhood in great detail, always paying close attention to the people he encountered. Knox wrote,“His tales, told in a rarely broken atmosphere of happiness, vividly describe an age, and yet say even more about the author.”).
After reputable St. Paul’s School, he went to the Royal Academy School, with a 3 year scholarship. He met his wife Florance there. They had son Graham, and daughter Mary. Graham’s teddy bear, “Glowler” became the model of Winnie-the-Pooh. When he was introduced to A.A.Milne for Mr. Milne’s works of verses (When We Were Very Young), Mr.Milne didn’t like Shepard’ drawings. He wanted someone on his level of reputation, perhaps. Well, but that soon changed, A.A.Milne even wished that Shepard’s drawings decorate his grave. Although Shepard was most known for his illustrations of A.A. Milne’s four books (When We Were Very Young 1924, Winnie-the-Pooh 1926, Now We Are Six 1927, The House of at Pooh Corner 1928), his works are beyond them: Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows (1930), and Richard Jefferies’s Bevis (1932), just name a few. Until his death in 1976, Shepard never stopped his delicious drawings for tales of children.

Many praised the works of Shepard.
“Master of line” Bevis Hillier, former editor of The Connoisseur.
“In When We Were Very Young, Ernest Shepard looks at children with the understanding sympathy and sense of humor and a recollection of his own childhood that make it possible for him to take a fair share in making this book.”
-Helen Cady Forbes "Delicious Sillies" in New York Herald Tribune Books, December. 14, 1924.
“Mr. Milne should go down on his knees every night and thank God for having sent him an illustrator so perfectly attuned to the spirit of his tasks as Mr. Shepard has proved himself.”
-NYT Book Review, October 23, 1927.

Well, it wouldn’t be necessary to what critics said about Shepard’s drawing. Let’s just get a copy of Winnie-the-Pooh, or When We Were Very Young or anything by Shepard. And make yourself lost into his “lost and found” lines, and the world of children and forest animals.

2010-08-30T15:12:00.003-04:00

As the last weeks of summer come and go, and the onset of Labour Day marks the last days of holiday for kids the length and breadth of America, Star Bright Books is continuing its blogging theme of 'Back to School.'

For many kids going to school is a daunting experience. Whether it be attending school for the very first time, or making the step up to either middle school or high school, kids become exposed to many new experiences and new people. Such experiences all serve to create great and inquisitive kids that will go on, hopefully, to become the future great generations of Americans. And to be American means to be part of a nation that is culturally and ethically diverse, a cosmopolitan nation set up to embrace all races and cultures in the melting pot. This helps Americans to be tuned into other world cultures and helps our kids understand the world around them.

In Layla's Head Scarf by Miriam Cohen, Layla is the new girl in school. She is hesitant on her first experiences of first grade as she feels out of place because of her head scarf. At the same time, her fellow first graders are curious and hesitant around her as they want to learn about her culture and about her head scarf. The story is one of growing friendship and compassion, as the first graders embrace Layla and each one learns something about the other. This makes everyone feel comfortable and shows how friendships are based on learning from one another.

Part of the We Love First Grade Series by Cohen, Layla's Head Scarf adds to the necessity to teach kids emotional learning skills to help them succeed in school. It also helps them to engage in issues that form a part of todays current global expansion as more and more places become culturally diverse.

Rainy Summer Days

2010-08-25T09:08:00.006-04:00

Morning Readers

Wherever you are in the world today I hope that it is much brighter and warmer than it is here in the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple. The weather over the past few days, since the weekend, has been nothing but wind and rain, and then more wind and rain. It feels more like Fall rather than Summer. And to think last weekend New York City was bathed in sunshine and a heat wave. How times change.

In such circumstances it makes it really difficult to find things to do outside. No one wants to get wet. Believe me. I walked into Star Bright Books this morning with my umbrella, but even that couldn't stop the rain from getting me all wet. It is days like today when all we need is a little bit of escapism. Something to take our mind away from the drizzle. A good book is just the thing that could do that, for both adults and kids alike.

Professor Noah's Spaceship is just one of those books. Brian Wildsmith takes the biblical story of Noah and his ark, and updates it for a 21st Century issue. As with the biblical account, every human and every animal and every creature lived happily in the environment, but in this account pollution has begun to destroy the food supply and the animals habitat. Fortunately Professor Noah (yes, he is a wise old man with a PhD now), has built a spaceship, and invites the animals to take off with him to find another world. For forty days and forty nights they roam space, until the guidance system goes into reverse. The intrepid travelers end up going back in time to Earth just after the Biblical Noah's flood, with Earth back to its pristine form. Capturing it all with his stunning illustrations, Brian Wildsmith's Professor Noah's Spaceship allows the imagination to escape for a moment, and addresses a very pressing issue in our time in a manner fit for children and adults alike.

Take Care

Sam

Friends At School

2010-08-23T14:19:00.005-04:00

Dear Fellow Bloggers

In light of the recent departure of En-Szu back to college after all of her fabulous work, as a fellow intern I will be taking up the responsibility of keeping you informed of Star Bright's activities for the coming weeks and months.

So as it is getting close for many children to either return or maybe even start school for the first time, it may be of interest to you that Star Bright Books has a selection of books that may help children with first day nerves.

Friends At School by Rochelle Bunnett is a picture book for children that details the real life stories of 8 school children, as well as their class Guinea Pig called Mocha, and a pair of tortoises called Sam and Sara. It goes on to display the activities that they get up to together inside and outside of the classroom.

The real photographs taken by Matt Brown help capture the children and the fun things they get up to. From feeding Mocha carrots, to playing with jigsaw puzzles, to enjoying recess. Friends At School is the kind of book that parents can enjoy reading with their children, especially if they are worried about starting school for the first time

So check it out, it may prove a real treat for that nervy first timer. Or maybe even the odd anxious parent!

All the best

Sam

TTFN!

2010-08-20T13:26:00.004-04:00

Dear Avid Blog Readers,

It is with great sadness that I inform you all that today is my last day as a summer intern here at Star Bright Books. It's been a fantastic summer - I've had so much fun getting acquainted with the ins and outs of publishing, as well as being introduced to the phenomenal books Star Bright publishes and getting to share them with you, my friends!

So as my farewell post (for now - you'll be hearing from me this fall and winter, I assure you!), I decided to treat you all to a special sneak peek - our upcoming title, Goodnight, Little Sea Otter!

Goodnight, Little Sea Otter is definitely my new favorite. A little otter and his mother say goodnight to the wonderful variety of underwater creatures who live in the sea: sea lions, sea snails, seagulls, seals, and sea urchins alike all say goodnight to the little otter and his momma. Wish Williams' illustrations are simply stunning and will wow grown-ups and children alike! And the story is sure to charm even the toughest little critic.

Goodnight, Little Sea Otter is due out September 30th.

And so I bid you all a fond farewell. Until next time, fellow book lovers!

Best,

En-Szu

Trosclair and the Alligator

2010-08-18T10:16:00.003-04:00

Fact: kids do not like doing what they are told.

Second fact: kids will hear you tell them to do one thing, and gladly do the opposite. Usually, this ends disastrously.

In Trosclair and the Alligator, young Trosclair is told by everyone to avoid Bee Island Swamp. A giant alligator named Gargantua has been roaming about and he is notoriously ferocious. But Trosclair really wants to visit the swamp...and it's only some quick-footed thinking that saves Trosclair and his poor dog, Ollie, from becoming dinner!

Trosclair and the Alligator is a fun read for the young and old alike. Everyone understands childhood curiosity and mischief - whether you're from the big city or Louisiana Bayou, kids get in all sorts of sticky situations from not listening. Hopefully this tale of a close call will teach your little one a valuable lesson!

Kissing Skunks

2010-08-16T10:53:00.004-04:00

People in love can be so silly.

You know how it is. You see it all the time: holding hands, nauseatingly cute nicknames, the goo-goo eyes and goofy smiles. They do things like buy ice cream cones and go for walks in the park, buy ridiculous trinkets for each other, call or text each other night and day for no reason whatsoever, and generally sicken everyone around them. But it's endearing, for the most part, because you either remember a time when you were also like that, or it gives you hope for having that someday for yourself.

In Kissing Skunks, a married skunk couple display such nonsensical affection for one another that it begins to border on the absurd. It is a funny and touching story that will appeal to kids and grown-ups of all ages (unless your child was like me, and thinks that boys and girls are full of cooties). Kissing Skunks captures the sweetness and adorable nature of two people in love, and you will most definitely find it impossible to read the book without smiling.

Most people think that books that deal with love are only suitable for Valentine's Day, but that simply isn't true - love happens year-round, not just on one day in February! Pick up your copy of Kissing Skunks today!

Jim's Dog, Muffins

2010-08-05T10:11:00.003-04:00

Dealing with grief at a young age is difficult. When someone you hold dear passes away, it is hard to grapple with the wide range of extreme emotions. And while it is especially challenging for a young person who has lost someone, it is also hard for peers to understand exactly what kind of feelings their fellow classmate or friend is being subjected to.

In Jim's Dog, Muffins, Jim is very sad after his dog is killed in an accident. He does not want to participate in any of the classroom activities. He doesn't want to talk to anyone, and he just wants to be alone. Some of his classmates don't understand. They think he is being mean, antisocial, and rude. But the first grade teacher understands what Jim is going through, and tells the children that "Maybe Jim needs time to be sad." And Jim is really sad, until Paul finally finds a way to get him to open up.

Jim's Dog, Muffins is a moving and necessary read for everyone. It teaches a touching and valuable lesson on grief and understanding. Highly recommended for audiences both young and old. Get your copy today!

Jim's Dog, Muffins is available in hardcover and paperback editions.

The Seaweed Book

2010-08-04T10:31:00.004-04:00

Though I mentioned in my last post that summer's almost over, I'm well aware of the fact that now is a better time than ever to catch the last of the easy-breezy vacation days and make the most of them. If you haven't yet, head out to the beach! There is absolutely nothing in this world more fantastic than sprawling out under the sun (make sure to slather on that SPF!) with a good book, listening to the ocean waves crashing in the background as seagulls circle overhead. There's also nothing that beats finding sand in all your stuff for weeks afterwards, a persistent (and, admittedly, slightly irritating) reminder of the relaxing and fun times spent on the shore.

Rose Treat found another way to have a reminder of her days on the beach. After her first trip to the ocean shore, she became fascinated with the beauty of the seaweeds floating the water. What started as fascination quickly developed into a full-time passion, and in no time she became an avid studier and collector of seaweed. In The Seaweed Book, Treat shares how to recognize and identify different seaweeds, as well as presenting a myriad of delightful activities and uses for seaweed. Children and adults can learn how to make pictures, decorate cards, or create other gifts.

So while summer is fading fast, there's still plenty of time to make some lasting memories - and why not make some memories with seaweed? In late fall or winter, you'll have something to enjoy that will remind you of balmy weather and lazier days...and who doesn't want that? It sure beats shoveling snow off the driveway.

When Someone Is Afraid

2010-08-03T10:03:00.003-04:00

We all have different ways of dealing with fears. If I wake up from a particularly terrifying night terror at 3 AM, my surefire cure is putting on an animated film and listening to Kylie Minogue until I fall asleep again. It's really weird, but it does the trick. Some people turn on all the lights, others bury themselves under a mountain of blankets, still others turn to comfort foods or books. The methods vary, but the goal is the same - to ease the troubling memories out of our minds and make ourselves feel safe again.

In When Someone Is Afraid, readers are introduced to the various ways different animals deal with fear. Frogs dive into a pond, ostriches bury their heads, turtles retreat into their shell...and a young boy calls on his mother. A sweet and fun read for children and adults alike, it'll be a sure way to ease nighttime fears and remind children how special having a caring adult in their life is. Read When Someone Is Afraid to let your little one know that you'll always be there for them!

Whether you listen to dancefloor anthem queens or gorge on chocolate cake to quell your fears, it's important to have a way to handle situations in which one is afraid. Talk to your child about ways in which they can resolve their fears and get a good night's rest.

When Someone is Afraid is written by Valeri Gorbachev and illustrated by Kostya Gorbachev. It is available in hardcover edition.

Will I Have A Friend?

2010-08-02T10:14:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe, but it's August already! And while the month is still new, people are already feeling the end-of-summer vibes. No more picnics. The backyard grill will be covered up. The pool will be drained. The sunblock will be tossed out, sundresses put in storage, and sandals packed away. No more neons and pastels - hello camel, tweed, and burgundy. No more greenery - it's time for orange and yellow leaves.

Autumn also signals the start of the school year. And for kids just starting school, it can be a very scary and intimidating time! The prospect of starting a new and very important chapter of your life can reduce even the most confident kid to a bag of nerves. There's a lot to worry about: what outfit to wear on the first day, what backpack to choose, what lunch to pack. But the most important and nerve-wracking question is much larger than what the overall style and appearance should be.

In Will I Have a Friend?, Jim is very anxious on his first day of school. He is worried that he won't have any friends. His dad tells him everything will be okay, but Jim finds himself nervously alone...until Paul shares his toy truck.

Will I Have a Friend? is heartwarming and a necessary read for all children just starting school or starting the academic year at a new school. It is straightforward and children will find that they can easily relate to Jim's concerns and experience. Even for children returning to school, Will I Have a Friend? has much to offer: it will remind them of how scared they were on their first day, and encourage them to make new children feel welcome.

So while it's not quite that time of year just yet, start getting prepared for fall! Get your copy of Will I Have a Friend? today!

Will I Have a Friend? is part of the We Love First Grade! series written by Miriam Cohen and illustrated by Ronald Himler.

A Child's Garden of Verses

2010-07-30T10:00:00.005-04:00

Poetry is a tricky thing. Sometimes it can be life-changing and wonderful, and other times it can be devastatingly dull and awful. I've spent a lot of time in the company of wannabe poets, and I've read my fair share of decent pieces and verses that made me want to tear my hair out.

Today I was on my way to work and made my usual Starbucks stop before heading into the subway for my morning commute. I was listening to my iPod and a song I really liked had just finished playing. I was feeling good. I was still coasting on my positive energy when I ordered my iced coffee. The guy who usually takes my order was a lot friendlier, and even commented, "You know, this is the first time I've ever seen you smile! You're always so...frown-y." I guess my happiness was obvious. Good music can put you in a really good place!

I love a good song. I love a good tune, but most importantly, I love good lyrics that can capture a moment or feeling with a sharp accuracy that a story can't convey. Good lyrics are, in essence, excellent poetry.

A Child's Garden of Verses will introduce children to the incredible world of such poetry. Children can discover the delightful effect of words with this amazing book that is both necessary as an introductory volume and a library staple. Robert Louis Stevenson's rhymes come to life with the aid of Brian Wildsmith's enchanting illustrations that will have children returning to read again and again. It's really a must-have!

A Child's Garden of Verses is available in hardcover and paperback editions.

The Aminal

2010-07-29T10:51:00.004-04:00

Every child is familiar with the game of "Telephone." It's a timeless classic that has kept kids in stitches for decades. We're all familiar with the drill - sitting in a circle with your friends, whispering a phrase from person to person until the last child finally says aloud the completely convoluted version he heard. It's been played since I was a kid, since my parents were kids, since my grandparents were kids...it's an internationally popular game that will never go out of style, no matter what new technology pops up (I mean, honestly - there's not a whole lot of fun to be had in playing "Text Message" or "Twitter" or "Facebook", now is there?). No, "Telephone" has been an endless source of amusement for years and looks like it's got the lasting power to stay that way for a while.

But seasoned veterans of the game also know that phrases can quickly develop into completely unexpected and unrelated things, and not necessarily in a good way. In the Aminal, little Patrick's simple mispronunciation of a word sets of a chain reaction of embellishments and new plot twists to his story that sends the neighborhood children into a frenzy! The story picks up more frightening edges as it's passed on from friend to friend, and by the time everyone's heard about it, they think they have to save Patrick from a giant green "aminal" that's going to eat him!

Children will thoroughly enjoy reading this book. The silly mistakes the characters make are easily identifiable and bring the story to life. Readers will laugh and appreciate the surprise ending. It'll also teach a valuable lesson in communication!

Pick up your copy today!

Humbug Rabbit

2010-07-28T09:57:00.002-04:00

On this day in 1866, Helen Beatrix Potter was born in London, England. Potter wrote and illustrated numerous children's books about animals, and her best-known and most loved work is the famous Tale of Peter Rabbit. Inspired by the pet that kept her company during her relatively lonely adolescence and young adult life, Peter is a mischievous young bunny who decides not to listen to his mother and ends up in a world of trouble. Internationally, Potter's stories and Peter Rabbit have become an established part of children's literature and have earned a special place in the hearts of children (and the young at heart) everywhere.

In Humbug Rabbit, we are introduced to Granny, Gracie and Otto the chickens, Mother and Father Rabbit (and all their children!), and Barnaby, a devilish cat. Easter is around the bend, and Granny has an egg hunt planned for when her grandchildren arrive! But that devilish cat Barnaby is set on making a mix-up. After he pushes the colored eggs into the Rabbit burrow, Easter is filled with unexpected surprises for everyone!

Like Potter's beloved tales, Humbut Rabbit is instantly engaging and fun to read. Children will fall in love immediately with Lorna Balian's humorous narrative and colorful illustrations. Sweet and refreshingly classic, Humbug Rabbit is a book that can be enjoyed year-round by children and the adults in their lives.

Kitten's Adventure

2010-07-27T10:17:00.002-04:00

I am very, very allergic to cats. Five minutes in the company of one will reduce me to a blubbering mess of running nose, watery eyes, relentless sneezing, and congested chest. It's not my most flattering look.

But that didn't stop me from wanting a kitten. I wanted one so badly! Kittens were the most adorable things in the universe to me. So I took up cat sitting, with the ridiculous notion that somehow overexposure to cat dander and fur would help me build up an immunity of sorts.

Worst idea ever.

By the end of each day my nose was raw and itchy from nonstop nose-blowing. My eyes were bloodshot and sore from being rubbed to ease the itchiness. I was wheezing and hacking my way home, relieved when I could finally toss aside the hair-covered garments I was wearing and rinse away the extremely irritating remnants of scent-marking the furry little pest was inevitably determined to leave behind. I don't think it's possible for me to think of any time in my life I've been so miserably uncomfortable.

But even with my severe allergic reaction, I still loved cats. I still do, to this day. There's something so charming and lovable about their feisty independent spirit, their knack for mischief and adventure, and their ability to get up to absolutely no good and yet look so forgivably adorable while at it.

Kitten's Adventure manages to adeptly capture the characteristic liveliness and fun-loving attitude of kittens in this instantly lovable and entertaining early reader. Kitten decides to go off on a day-long exploration, and Michele Coxon's preciously detailed illustrations are engaging and will be instant favorites of children and adults alike.

Pick up your copy today!

Available in paperback and hardcover editions, and in Portuguese/English, Spanish/English, and Vietnamese/English bilingual editions.

Baby, Come Out!

2010-07-26T10:13:00.003-04:00

I was recently going through old photo albums with a friend of mine. I had just discovered a treasure trove of family photographs in a trunk that had been stowed away in a closet, and was reveling in the excitement of what was revealed: my mother wore zebra print pants in the eighties, my dad had more than a slight fixation with silk paisley-print shirts during his college days, and various extended family members rocked ridiculous updos, facial hair, and makeup. I also found a number of photographs of my brother and I as very young children - me wearing printed stirrup pants, him in neon windbreakers. We were very much children of the nineties. It was marvelous.

Then I came across the few photos that had been taken on the day of my brother's birth. He had decided to arrive on the day of his baby shower. It's one of the few early memories of my life that I still have: I vividly recall repeatedly asking when I could eat some of the cake and being told that I had to wait until my mother had the first slice - and then she went into labor, and I never got any cake. It was pure mayhem. I was shoveled aside as people ran around, calling a cab, packing her bags, and grabbing the flowers and unopened gifts for the hospital. At one point someone remembered that there was actually a first child in the picture and I was carried off to stay at the home of a friend of a friend of a friend's until my new sibling arrived. Needless to say, I was more than a little grumpy - I was used to being the center of attention, and was not only mad that I was going to have to share the spotlight, but also that I still hadn't had any cake. I blamed my brother entirely. Before I even met him, I pegged him as a drama queen who had waited until the best moment to snag all the attention.

In Baby, Come Out!, a baby refuses to leave his mother's belly. She likes living the simple, easy life inside. Nobody can convince her to leave - not her mother, not her grandparents, and not even her siblings. But when Baby can't get any kisses, she decides that it's time to finally join everyone outside!

Baby, Come Out! is a charming read and a precious book. It is timeless and sweet, and children and adults will both fall in love with the story immediately.

My brother, who waited until the opportune moment to arrive, was very much like Baby to me. He lounged around in my mother's belly until he realized he was missing out on things in the outside world - love, affection, and attention. So while I may resent him a little for making me share everything, I guess I can understand. I still snag an extra piece of his birthday cake every year, though - hey, I need to compensate somehow!

Too Many Pears!

2010-07-23T10:28:00.004-04:00

Pamela the cow loves pears.

Who doesn't?

But Pamela is obsessed with pears. She eats everyone's pears: at picnics, at lunch, all the time! She likes plain pears, stewed pears with ice cream, and pear pie with whipped cream. Pamela eats so many pears, little Amy decides it's time to intervene. But nothing seems to work - building a fence around the pear trees, tying Pamela to a tree, and picking pears before she gets to them all fail miserably as Pamela finds a way around each tactic. So finally Amy formulates a plan to get Pamela to leave pears alone, once and for all.

Too Many Pears! is simply delightful. Children and adults will both find the story and illustrations hilarious and charming. It's my personal favorite!

All this reading about pears definitely gets me hungry, too. So I decided to do a little research and dig up recipes involving pears. What I discovered was a gold mine! If you visit www.usapears.com, you'll find instructions on how to make anything from balsamic-glazed pear and goat cheese crostini to pear smoothies to bacon and bleu cheese sliders with pear ketchup to hot fudge pear sundaes to vidalia and pear honey soup...and that's just the beginning. If you aren't drooling yet, you should definitely check out the website and take a peek at the photographs. Our dear Pamela would probably faint.

Too Many Pears! is a great book to read to your child, as it will encourage not only eating healthy fruit but inspire them to get creative with how they consume healthy foods. Who says that fruit has to be boring? Spice things up with a smoothie or by adding some frozen yogurt! Throw it in salads or on top of oatmeal! Bake them with a dallop of butter and some cinnamon! The possibilities are endless.

Now that I'm ravenously hungry, I'm writing out my grocery list for a ginger pear cake I'll bake tonight. Hopefully you'll be inspired to also make something fun with pears - and pick up a copy of Too Many Pears!

Too Many Pears! is available in hardcover and paperback editions. It is also available in Portuguese/English, Spanish/English, and Japanese/English editions.

That's Like Me!

2010-07-22T11:29:00.002-04:00

In That’s Like Me!, different people (both young and old) share their stories of living with a learning difference. But each story does more than just give a brief account of each person’s life – it serves to emphasize the central theme of the book as a whole: the incredible power of encouragement. Each individual initially faced seemingly overwhelming amounts of negativity from a society unwilling to understand children with learning differences. They encountered isolation, mockery, and even punishment because they were unable to learn the same way as their peers. The frustration of being singled out often forced them into silence. Not being “normal” like other children caused them to lose faith in themselves and see no hope in the future ahead. However, each person discovered that once they found even just one person who saw their talents and passions as gifts, their entire world changed. Readers will meet people who pushed through the odds to do what they really love: a firefighter, a trapeze artist, a veterinarian, a racecar driver, and more. By the time children and adults come to the end of the book, they will feel encouraged to concentrate on pursuing their gifts. Readers will have a better understanding not only of people with learning differences, but of what they can do to create a more accepting and understanding world so that more children with L.D. can realize their dreams.

Have You Fed the Cat?

2010-07-21T10:19:00.003-04:00

My favorite after school activity when I was in elementary school was paying a visit to the pet shop a few blocks down from my school. I loved to press my face to the glass and watch the little puppies prance and play or even just nap. I really, really wanted one. They were so adorable and so full of energy!

My dad knew better, though. A veteran pet owner for the ages, he knew that after about a week my promises to clean up after the dog, walk it every day, remember to feed it, and otherwise care for it would be a thing of the past. The poor animal would have to fend for itself, pine for attention, and otherwise lead a boring and uneventful life. The neglect it would inevitably endure was too painful to think of, so every time I would whine and beg for a cute little puppy dog, my dad firmly said "No way."

Years later I finally understand my dad's logic, but at the time I thought he was being cruel and unreasonable. In truth, the dog would have probably suffered enormously under my care (if the treatment of my Barbies was any indication of my caretaking abilities), and would be much better off in a more loving environment.

Tragically, however, many pets find themselves initially surrounded by love and gradually ignored as time passes. They become a part of the furniture, or worse - a nuisance.

In Have You Fed the Cat?, Michele Coxon tells the tale of Sam the cat who was the center of attention as a kitten but is mostly left on his own now. The only time he is even noticed is when he wants food. And since everyone is feeding him, Sam starts to become a very large cat...

It is sad how easily pets are ignored by their homes. Have You Fed the Cat? will remind readers, children and adults alike, that a pet is still very much a part of the family it belongs to and wants to be loved and cared for. It's a valuable lesson for children to learn, and one their pets will definitely appreciate!

Available in paperback and hardcover editions. Also available in Spanish/English.

Transforming Lives

2010-07-20T10:22:00.003-04:00

It's easy to complain about the little things. Your latte was prepared incorrectly this morning. The tickets to a show you really wanted to see are sold out. Your dog ruined your new shoes. You lost your lucky pair of underpants. The list could go on and on.

But for some people, these mishaps are little blips that would barely register on their radar. In Uganda, life is a lot harder than it is over here in the States. Children are brutally robbed of their youth and innocence and forced into situations that are seemingly impossible to ever fully recover from.

There are many things we take for granted. After reading Transforming Lives, I realized that my overall outlook on life definitely needed a fresh perspective. It isn't difficult to whine and grumble about having a paper to write or having to get up early after a long night, but for the people of Uganda, education is a luxury few can afford and hard labor from before sunrise to late into the evening is not uncommon in the least. With no healthcare or even welfare system, a family left crippled by civil war and/or HIV/AIDS could find the very prospect of survival nearly impossible. Children are orphaned, subjected to grueling labor for very little pay, and have little to no hope for their future. Many bear witness to the atrocities of rebel soldier brutalities, and some 20,000 young children have been abducted and forced into fighting for the rebel army. These children saw things that no one should ever have to see and were forced to do things that continue to plague them with night terrors and guilt.

That's where L.E.A.D. Uganda steps in. Armed with the belief that education is the key to making a change, L.E.A.D. puts emphasis on developing future leaders for the country. It sends children who show the potential to really flourish in an academically challenging environment to the top schools in the nation and the continent of Africa. These children had no hope before the intervention - they were staring down a future of hardship, poverty, and despair. L.E.A.D. Uganda gave them the means to start dreaming again, regardless of what they had been through before. Through the program, these children have hope. Reading their personal stories is both heartbreaking and utterly world-changing.

Transforming Lives isn't about soliciting donations or peddling out testimonies for pity. It's about showing the empowering transformation that comes with giving a child who had nothing to look forward to the will to hope again. It's about showing the boundless optimism and love of their country that each individual possesses. It's about giving them a voice to share their visions for the future of Uganda, and how they can now see themselves as playing a critical role in changing their home country for the better. Says Ntege, a former child laborer now enrolled in one of Africa's top boarding schools, "I want to be the change I want to see in Africa." Hilda, the eldest child of a widowed mother with HIV, says that since she is now enrolled at a prestigious school and earning top marks she is free to pursue her dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. "I will come back...and use my skills to help reduce suffering in my country," she says. Her goal of returning to rebuild the war-torn nation is one that resonates in the stories of all these children. They seek not only a better future for themselves, but one for everyone in their country.

"I am healing," says Ojok, a former child soldier. With the help of L.E.A.D., this is something more and more children are able to say. Pick up a copy of Transforming Lives today and have your own world transformed by the amazing stories of these children. They are truly a testimony to the endurance of the human spirit, despite earth-shattering obstacles. Be a part of the change these children have dreamed of and are working to make a reality!

For more information on L.E.A.D. Uganda and how you can get involved, please visit www.leaduganda.org.

Transforming Lives was a 2010 Benjamin Franklin Award finalist.

My Big Brother

2010-07-15T10:45:00.003-04:00

When I was three years old, I started going to nursery school. I loved playing with other kids! I loved all the games we played and all the great adventures we invented. I loved running around in the park after school, or going ice skating in the winter. It was fantastic! I only wished that I had a friend with me all the time. My mom and dad were okay, I guess, but they weren't nearly as much fun as the kids I played with. So I told my dad one day, plainly, that I wanted one of three things: a pony, a puppy, or a sister. Simple request, I thought.

But what did I get?

A brother.

Of course, in retrospect, I realize that at the time my mother must have already been pretty pregnant. My kid brother popped out only a few months later. I remember being enormously disappointed. Not only was he a boy, he was small and couldn't play any games. I was far from thrilled.

But now, all these years later, my brother and I are pretty close. Sure, he still does things that gross me out (I mean, hey - he's a sixteen-year-old boy), but I've learned to appreciate our special bond, especially now that we live about 3000 miles apart most of the year. My brother calls me up for advice all the time, and he knows he can always call if he's having a bad day and that I'll help him sort things out. I never realized how much he relied on me!

In My Big Brother, a young boy idolizes his older brother. He's smart, thoughtful and polite, athletic, and the epitome of everything the young narrator admires. So when his big brother leaves to join the army, the narrator does his very best to be a great older brother for his younger brother.

A must-have for all children with siblings, older or younger, this book captures a heartwarming and heartbreaking portrait of familial love. Emotionally compelling, especially now, with so many big brothers going off to war, this book is guaranteed to touch anyone who reads it. Get your copy today!

My Big Brother is available in both hardcover and paperback editions, as well as in a Spanish/English bilingual print.

Termites on a Stick

2010-07-14T11:14:00.005-04:00

A lot of interesting things happened on this day in history. In 1789, during the French Revolution, Parisian citizens stormed the Bastille and released the prisoners. Gustav Klimt, the Austrian painter, was born in 1862. William H. Bonney Jr., more commonly known as Billy the Kid, was killed in 1881. And on July 14th, 1960, the amazing Jane Goodall, British primatologist, ethologist, anthropologist, and UN Messenger of Peace, set foot in the Gombe Stream National Park of Tanzania. It was the start of extraordinary scientific discoveries in chimpanzee behavior. Today, fifty years later, the Gombe research is one of the longest running studies of animals in the wild. Its results have radically changed the way we understand all living things, inspired a generation of scientists around the world, and changed the world of ethology.

One of the most revolutionary discoveries Jane made during that first trip to Tanzania occurred several weeks into her stay. She observed two chimpanzees taking sticks and stripping them of branches before poking them into termite colonies. After removing the sticks, the chimps snacked on their catches: juicy termites fished out of the ground.

This was no insignificant observation. Up until that point, tool-making was identified as a defining trait of mankind. Jane’s discovery was about to change how we understood not only chimpanzees, but all living creatures - and, most importantly, the place and role of human beings in the ecological structure of the world.

In Termites on a Stick, a young chimpanzee observes his mother enjoying her favorite snack, termites. The young chimp wants to have some for himself, but his mother wants him to learn how to fish for termites on his own. After trial and error, the young chimpanzee finally earns his delectable treat!

Children are going to fall in love with this book. Michele Coxon’s illustrations bring the liveliness and endearing nature of chimpanzees to life. Like Goodall, young children will be awed by the parallels they find between their own lives and the everyday life of chimpanzees.

Goodall’s discoveries changed the world. She cites her first inspiration as a stuffed toy chimpanzee she received as a child. Who knew that it would eventually lead to such exciting accomplishments? Your child could very well be the next little Jane. Open his or her eyes to the wonderful world of wildlife with Termites on a Stick!

Also:

For more information on Jane Goodall, and to find out how to get involved in the work of the Jane Goodall Institute, visit www.janegoodall.org

Fool of the World and the Flying Ship

2010-07-12T11:22:00.003-04:00

Fairytales and folk tales teach children to let their imagination run wild. Drawn into the spectacular world of magic and wonder, children let their creativity expand to fantastic heights. A little imagination can transform any simple object into an instrument central to a great adventure, or a room into a world of unexpected possibilities. As a child, I was an avid reader of fairytales of all kinds – from Grimm’s collected works to Greco-Roman mythology to Celtic and Middle Eastern folklore, I was an absorbant little sponge, soaking in every word and reworking what I had read into my everyday imaginative play. In the playground I was a knight on a noble quest to slay a dragon. On the sidewalk I was a lost explorer who discovered a new universe in space. At home I was a queen with the ability to turn dolls into living people. And the museum was the ultimate location to really let loose – I was a jungle hunter who befriended animals who could talk, I was a deep sea diver who found a lost underwater civilization, and I was a time traveler who befriended cave artists. I could be a hero, a villain, or a side character. Fairytales gave me a starting point to create my own mysteries, romances, and thrilling adventures.

The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship is a traditional Ukrainian folk tale, retold and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev. In this exciting story, a young man whom everyone calls the Fool of the World sets out on a quest to marry the Tsar’s daughter, the Tsarevna. The catch is that the only way to marry her is by bringing the Tsar a flying ship. On his adventure to bring the Tsar a flying ship, the Fool of the World meets a colorful and hilarious cast of characters. As the Tsar’s list of requests grows wilder and more extravagant, so does the Fool of the World’s quest.

This story is very entertaining and sure to capture the heart of all audiences. The traditional, tried-and-true story will please both children and grown adults alike.

Pick up your copy today!

Layla's Head Scarf

2010-07-09T10:04:00.005-04:00

Fitting in at school is a very big deal to children. From ages four to teenager, it's extremely common for a kid to value nothing more than being accepted by his or her peers (of course, some children are intensely anti-conformist, which is a whole different story). It's painful, almost, to find yourself an outcast because something about you sets you apart from the general pack.

It's kind of like the time I broke my toe the day before my family went to Sea World. I was eleven. I cried hysterically - not only because my toe hurt a whole lot, but because I would have to use crutches all day - and I was horribly embarrassed. I felt like everyone was staring at me.

But when it came time to see Shamu, the world-famous celebrity killer whale, I completely forgot about everyone around me. I was so thrilled to get splashed on by the giant orca! And once I forgot that crutches were something I considered to be harshing my mellow, so to speak, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the day. If anyone was looking at me, I didn't notice.

Kids can be strange. They are desperate to not only fit in, but to ostracize others in an effort to prove exactly how much they themselves belong. Thus, finding yourself on the outside of the "in crowd" can be devastating more or less because of awareness at what's going on on the other end of the mockery. Yet it is rare to find a child who sympathizes with the subject of cruel jokes, exclusion, and sometimes even mean-spirited pranks.

In Layla's Head Scarf, Layla is a new student in the first grade. She is very shy, and stands out because she always wears a scarf on her head. Some children try to make her feel comfortable, but a lot of them are not used to the scarf and don't understand why Layla wears it. Layla feels more and more excluded from her classmates, until it is time for the class to do paintings of their families. When the children realize that each student's family stands out for different reasons, they finally begin to understand Layla's head scarf.

Layla's Head Scarf is an essential read in this day and age. More than simply a lesson on inclusion, it's a book about realizing that we are technically ALL different. Kids will do nearly anything to fit in - when I was in elementary school, it was all about dyeing your hair blue, wearing slip-on sneakers, and collecting those stretchy choker necklaces - but if they realize that there really is no "normal" or "regular," it'll save them a lot of headache and heartache. They'll be free to be themselves, something so precious when you only have one childhood in a lifetime.

Layla's Head Scarf is part of the We Love First Grade™ series, and was nominated for a 2010 Benjamin Franklin Award.

My Mother's Pearls

2010-07-08T10:26:00.003-04:00

When I was a young teenager, a sudden interest in family history led me to nearly turn the house upside down in search of photographs and relics that would somehow clue me in to the complex and fascinating story that had somehow ended with me, aged fifteen, living in New York. What I managed to unearth was a riveting story full of adventure, romance, mystery, and a whole lot of loose ends. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to have captured the essence of the wonderful story that was only a prelude to my birth. I couldn't wait to go out into the world and also have fantastic adventures, close encounters, and a bounty of stories to tell. I guess knowing more about my past, and using my imagination to fill in the blank spaces, is what ultimately pushed me to pursue creative arts and literature studies. It also opened my eyes to the endless
possibilities for writing my own chapter in my family history, making my personal mark on the space where my mother's side and my father's side collided, and leaving a legacy for whoever would come next.

In My Mother's Pearls, a young girl tells the story of a special pearl necklace that has been passed on from generation to generation of women in her mother's family. Starting in 1998 and working backwards all the way to 1788, the young narrator tells of how each woman had a special relationship to the pearls: from her mother Marianne all the way to her great-great-great-great-great-great-Grandmother Susanna, women wore the pearls while playing dress-up, on special occasions, even traveling across the sea!

Young children will love reading My Mother's Pearls over and over again. It's also a great starting point for opening a discussion on your own family's story. Pick up your copy today!

Carry Me

2010-07-07T10:22:00.002-04:00

Different cultures have different cuisines, different folktales, different traditions, and different games. They have different ways of showing gratitude, contempt, and sadness. They have different ways of mourning, celebrating, and observing holidays. It's the differences in universally practiced things that make each culture unique and special.

In Carry Me, babies will be introduced to babies from around the world and the ways in which they are carried by adults. Babies from China, Russia, Scotland, Kenya, India, Ecuador, and the USA are all carried different ways. Babies will love getting acquainted with their global neighbors through this book!

Raising kids prepared to interact with others from different backgrounds is imperative in this day and age. Start your little one early with Carry Me!

Don't forget to look for our other Babies Everywhere™ titles, Families and Eating the Rainbow!

Madison's Patriotic Project

2010-07-06T10:26:00.002-04:00

July 4th is a time of celebration here in the States. As such, children commonly associate the holiday with picnics, water sports, backyard grill sessions, outdoor games with friends, delicious food, family, and - of course - fireworks. It's the celebration that really kick-starts a fantastic summer season, and no vacation is complete without a full-out July 4th jubilee.

But how many kids are familiar with the real reason for the holiday?

In Madison's Patriotic Project, young Madison is excited to put together the best scrapbook ever and win her class's patriotic project contest. But she gets so wrapped up in making the winning entry that she doesn't pay attention to all the facts of American history she's learning along the way. In fact, she barely notices how great her final product is because she's so hung up on whether or not she takes home the prize.

It's easy to get distracted from what's meaningful when a tantalizing prize seems to dangle just out of reach. Our goals can get mixed up and confused easily, and we can miss out on something really important in the process. While the Fourth of July has passed, the opportunity to teach your kids about the meaning behind the celebration, and all holiday celebrations, is available year round. Act on it! And don't forget to pick up your copy of Madison's Patriotic Project today!

Hidden Letters Interview with Deborah Slier & Ian Shine

2010-07-02T12:09:00.003-04:00

The video below is an interview conducted during the 2010 ALA Midwinter Conference in Boston, MA. Kathy O'Hehir sat down with the authors of Hidden Letters to find out more about the book and the process of putting it together.

See our post on Hidden Letters here.

Urban Animals

2010-07-02T10:41:00.003-04:00

The city can be an exciting and adventurous place for a child (see The Girl on the Yellow Giraffe!), and now that summertime is in full swing, it's time to get out there and explore!

Growing up in New York was always such an awesome thing to me as a kid. My mother was an avid architecture lover and would point out all the historical buildings, as well as things I wouldn't have noticed about them - the detailing around the extravagant bay windows of Fifth Avenue apartment buildings, the gothic patterns banding around buildings down in Herald Square, the gargoyles howling at the sky around Central park. It was all so fascinating to me as a child.

Isabel Hill also shares a love for these hidden treasures of the city. In her book Urban Animals, Hill points out different animals integrated into the magnificent architecture of New York. It could serve as a fun guide for a day's adventure. So slather on that SPF 50, lace up your walking shoes, and hit the streets!

Urban Animals, available in both paperback and hardcover editions, was a finalist in the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Awards.

2010 Benjamin Franklin Award Finalists!

2010-07-01T15:47:00.004-04:00

This year, three of our books were selected as finalists for the prestigious Benjamin Franklin award!
Blog posts on the individual titles coming soon.

Click here for more information on Urban Animals.

Click here for more information on Layla's Head Scarf.

Click here for more information on Transforming Lives.

ALA Annual Conference

2010-07-01T12:40:00.003-04:00

Hey, everyone! It was great to see so many new and familiar faces at the ALA Annual Conference last weekend. We had a fantastic time meeting so many people! If you missed out on the fun, here are some photos. Be sure to visit our website, StarBrightBooks.org, and check out all of our titles!

Owl and the Woodpecker

2010-06-30T10:26:00.003-04:00

Sometimes, neighbors suck.

A few years ago a couple moved in to the apartment next door after the previous tenant, an angst-filled businessman who looked like he never slept, decided he couldn't deal with the stress of city life and moved back to the suburbs to get married. The new neighbors seemed completely harmless at first. Of course, this is New York, so it wasn't as though they came knocking on my door the first day to say hello, but they were friendly in the hallway and made nice small talk during the morning waits for the elevator. They were mindful to turn off their loud music by 10 PM every night, and their social gatherings never reached obnoxiously audible levels (unlike the old neighbor, who used to throw loud parties with all his frat buddies from college). I thought they were decent people and was glad to have relatively quiet, reasonable people living next door...until Emma came along.

Emma was a teeny tiny terrier mix that was part Chihuahua, part something else, and part spawn of the devil. Emma also had vocal chords that would impress Whitney Houston. That dog drove me to the brink of insanity. Barking all hours of the night and day, Emma was relentless in making her presence known to all residents of the ninth floor...and probably the 37th, as well. She was perceptive, too. If I saw her headed out for her morning walk when I was headed out for the day, I would give her the evil eye - and she would start howling and yapping away. The dog was the size of an overgrown rodent, but boy oh boy could she make noise. I thanked my lucky stars the day Emma and her owners moved away.

In The Owl and the Woodpecker, Brian Wildsmith cleverly tells the tale of two neighbors who just don't get along. Woodpecker is up all day making noise, which makes it hard for Owl to sleep. Owl and Woodpecker's beef escalates so much that other forest animals try to intervene, but to no avail. However, Owl experiences a change of heart once Woodpecker and his pecking save Owl's life.

I only wish that I could have found something redeeming out of all of Emma's noise. Truthfully, there was absolutely nothing that came from it but severe annoyance and headaches from sleep deprivation. I guess the lesson I learned was that I shouldn't have ever complained about the shouty, fist-pumping ragers my ex-neighbor threw. In comparison to Emma, they sounded like the New York Philharmonic playing a grand symphony next door.

Living with other people can be tough. It's not just neighbors - it can be a new sibling, or visiting relatives. It's an important lesson to learn to live with the things we find irritating in others. Children especially need to be taught to live harmoniously with those around them. It's a key lesson in growing up. The Owl and the Woodpecker presents this priceless information in a fun, easy to understand, and easy to digest manner. Pick up your copy today!

Little Wood Duck

2010-06-29T09:59:00.000-04:00

Teaching your child about tolerance and individuality is a necessary, though tricky, lesson. The theoretical "right thing to do" in actuality often finds itself taking a backseat to the reality of assimilating into "the crowd." We all desire to belong to a group identity, and sometimes we sadly believe that this means excluding others who don't measure up somehow. Kids aren't immune to the sway of the majority in the least - countless children have renounced Barbie dolls, chosen their least favorite color as their most favorite, and engaged in all manners of mischief simply because said behavior is regarded as "cool" at the moment. And the worst kind of cool is the kind that requires you to mercilessly pick on those who aren't up to par in their coolness. The wrong shoes, the wrong backpack - all things that can be mocked and made fun of until the victim is reduced to tears. Forget about a physical or mental disability - anything different from "normal" is labeled as "weird," as though one's condition at birth was entirely by choice.

Brian Wildsmith's The Little Wood Duck is unable to swim in a straight line like his brothers and sisters. He tries really hard, but he's only able to swim in circles due to unevenly sized feet. His siblings complain, his mother scolds, and all the woodland animals laugh and tease him. But it turns out that the difference that separates him from the others ends up saving him and his siblings from a hungry fox!

Being different isn't a curse. It can be a gift. It's a matter of perspective. Children aren't going to instantly have a change of attitude - that takes time - but they'll most certainly have a different outlook after reading this book. Sometimes you have to drown out the noise of those around you to really see the heart of an individual - and you may be pleasantly surprised!

Dancing Boy

2010-06-28T10:12:00.003-04:00

The tale of the Pied Piper of Hamlin is one that we're all pretty familiar with. The Pied Piper sweeps through a village and all the children follow him away to an unknown location, where they are never seen again. He entices them with his magical, enchanting music that for unknown reasons draws the children to him in droves.

While the story of the Pied Piper is a tad scary and most certainly doesn't have a happy ending, the general mood of the story is one of whimsy and unpredictability, not necessarily all negative. In Ronald Himler's Dancing Boy, the positive aspects of children running free are captured in breathtaking illustrations. Completely wordless, this book celebrates a wistful youthful spirit that is touching and heartwarming.

Dancing Boy isn't just a book for children; it's a book for all of us who miss living in the world of a child. The innocence and fun that come with still believing in the magic of the universe is perfectly expressed in Himler's book. Breaking free of conformity, even for just a little while, can be so liberating and necessary at times. Celebrate taking a break from societal norms and expectations with Dancing Boy!

Fall Catalog!

2010-06-25T14:36:00.005-04:00

Our fall 2010 catalog is available on our website. Check out some of our new titles, as well as old favorites!

ALA Annual Conference - This Weekend!!!

2010-06-25T10:35:00.003-04:00

Don't forget to stop by our booth! We're #2938. Deborah Slier and Ian Shine, authors of Hidden Letters, will be there today, and tomorrow Cornelius Van Wright (illustrator of How Do You Get A Mouse to Smile? and Alicia's Happy Day)will be there as well.

We'd love to see you! Come say hello!

Families

2010-06-24T10:04:00.002-04:00

Today seems to be a day filled with things that are just too cute for words. All morning I've encountered cute babies, cute puppies, cute kittens, and all manners of overwhelmingly adorable things. Why that is, I have no idea, but it inspired today's pick for the Book of the Day: Families.

Human and animal families care for their young in similar ways, as Families shows. They give kisses, share snacks, and take naps together. Photos of animal families doing the same thing that human families are is just so very precious. Babies and their adults alike will simply love looking at this board book over and over again.

And to continue the theme of the day, I'm throwing in some gratis photographs of other simply delightful animal families. They will simply crush you with cuteness.

Wombat and Mommy:

Hoglet (hedgehog baby):

Piglet and Mommy:

Meerkat baby and Mommy:

Hope YOUR day is filled with the most darling things!

Jungle Party

2010-06-23T10:16:00.002-04:00

It's getting hotter and hotter every day now that it's officially summer. As the days get longer and the temperatures stay balmy, party season really begins to kick in. Backyard BBQ gatherings, poolside hangouts, and outdoor weddings pop up all over the calendar after Memorial Day Weekend and don't cool off until September.

Of course, not all summer parties and get-togethers are glitch-free. Relaxing in flip flops while enjoying ice-cold lemonade under a large umbrella does not guarantee an absence of drama. Sometimes the good times can make you relax too much - and stop being cautious.

In Jungle Party, Python has been hungry for quite some time but can't catch any food. So he invites all of the jungle animals to a party. Of course they all agree - who says "no" to a great party invitation? - but as they get carried away by the excitement, Python decides to pull a not-so-awesome trick. And if Elephant hadn't passed by at the right time, the most fun jungle party ever could have been the very worst.

Kids are going to love this book. Brian Wildsmith's fun and engaging story is complimented by his amazing, colorful illustrations. Parents will enjoy reading aloud this entertaining story with a valuable life lesson to tell. Get your copy today!

How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile?

2010-06-22T10:35:00.003-04:00

Kids can get really moody. When something doesn't go according to plan, it's not uncommon for a kid to spend hours moping or dragging his or her feet. Sometimes they won't tell you what's wrong, and you're forced to play guessing games. Did soccer tryouts not turn out so well? Was a test grade less than stellar? Did an art project get ruined?

The things we do to try and get kids to smile again can range from the reasonable to the ridiculous. Sometimes an ice cream cone just won't cut it. Though it usually doesn't take a trip to the circus every time something is wrong to get the little one smiling again, sometimes it can be really hard figuring out exactly how to make things okay again.

Pets, when moping, can be a lot like kids. It's hard to communicate what's making them blue, so we have to guess. Is the menu of kibble getting kind of boring? Is the scratching post no longer fun anymore? Has the hamster wheel lost its charm?

In How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile?, Lyle doesn't know why his pet mouse won't smile. So he calls up all his friends, and they go to great lengths to try and entertain Lyle's little friend. Backflips, magic tricks, jokes - nothing works. Lyle and his friends wear themselves out doing everything they can think of...except for the one surefire thing that will make a mouse smile.

Kids will love Bonnie Grubman's silly rhyme and Cornelius Van Wright's equally goofy and whimsical illustrations. It's a book they'll want to revisit again and again. Learning how to get a mouse to smile will definitely pick your kid out of a gloomy mood. How do you get a kid to smile? By reading them this book! Get your copy today!

ALSO - If you're going to be at the ALA Annual Conference this weekend, be sure to drop by! Cornelius Van Wright will be there on the 26th and 27th.

Hidden Letters

2010-06-21T09:53:00.002-04:00

The distance of time between the current generation and World War II affects most present-day understanding of what truly happened in Europe during the war. It seems that with each passing year the realism of the time begins to grow warped and highly unrealistic. Over-glamorized portrayals of survival in Hollywood and fictional literature aid in this tragic desensitization of society. Non-fiction and creative works that actually strive for true authenticity are few and far between, and becoming a rarer breed all the time.

This is why Hidden Letters is such a literary gem. Hidden Letters is a collection of letters, photographs, and various documents surrounding the final years of Philip "Flip" Slier, a teenager living in the Netherlands during the German invasion and occupation of 1940. His 86 letters to his parents were uncovered in 1997 in the ceiling of a house in East Amsterdam that was due to be demolished, and sparked the interest of two authors who saw a most remarkable story that needed to be told.

Deborah Slier and Ian Shine spent over seven years compiling information through primary source documents, interviews, and extensive research. Their end result is a stunningly detailed and touching narrative that follows the life of a boy searching for hope in one of the most horrific situations history has ever seen. His letters to his family chronicle his struggle to survive in the face of unimaginable oppression. Flip's story is more than simply inspirational; it makes the reader aware humanity's capacity for good and evil. It pushes us to understand our duty as citizens of the world, and to do what is right even when it is frightening and dangerous. Reading Hidden Letters will most definitely leave an enormous impact on the life of whoever reads it.

Celebrating Differences on Autistic Pride Day

2010-06-18T10:18:00.004-04:00

Today is Autistic Pride Day. On this day, we should be celebrating the differences found in neurodiversity. This year's theme is "Perspectives, not fear."

Children should be brought up to be tolerant and accepting. Here at Star Bright Books, we understand the importance of raising children to be informed members of society. That's why we've published multiple titles dealing with physical, neurological, and cultural differences.

Disabled Fables is a collection of Aesop's Fables retold and illustrated by artists with developmental disabilities. At the end of each story, the artist shares the personal meaning they have found in the story and gives a little background information on his or herself. Disabled Fables is an excellent book for both children and adults to really understand different disabilities on a more intimate level.

We Can Do It! features different children around five years old who have various disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down syndrome, and blindness. These children show the reader how they can still do the things they love, even with what would appear to be a physical setback.

Brothers & Sisters is a book told by children who have a sibling with a disability. They show the reader how his or her sibling is special to them and enriches the lives of those around them.

Friends at School shows children with many differences in a classroom environment. They play games, share, and have fun together. It demonstrates to the reader that inclusiveness and understanding are not just theoretical - they're a very real possibility!

Succeeding with LD (Succeeding with Learning Differences) is a collection of true stories from people who grew up with LD. Each person tells how they were able to overcome social and academic situations that were more difficult for them than people without LD. In the latest edition of the book, each section is followed by a passage from the person ten years later. It's a true inspiration to anyone who reads this book.

Teach your child, and even yourself, about the joys and wonders that come from building a community that is open and caring for everyone. When we all learn to celebrate the things that set us apart, and appreciate how they can positively influence our lives, it's a step towards making the world a better place.

ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.!

2010-06-17T16:26:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone! Star Bright Books will be at the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. from June 25- 28. Come visit us at Booth 2938!

Our schedule for poster signings is as follows. Be sure to drop by!

June 25th

10:30 AM -12:00 PM
Isabel Hill
Urban Animals

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Deborah Slier and Ian Shine
Hidden Letters

June 26th

10:30-12:00
Cornelius Van Wright
Alicia's Happy Day & How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile?

2:00-4:00
Deborah Slier and Ian Shine
Hidden Letters

See you in D.C.!

A Circle of Friends

2010-06-17T09:53:00.003-04:00

Igor Stravinsky, the great Russian composer, would have been 128 years old today. His well-known and well-loved works, which include The Rite of Spring and The Firebird, are popular and familiar even decades after the talented musician has passed away.

What made Stravinsky's art so fantastic? Was it his mastery of melody, layering of instruments, feel for each individual note, or timing of each measure? It is safe to say that Stravinsky's greatest strength, like all renowned composers, was found in his ability to blend all of these qualities together harmoniously to create a masterpiece that would last for centuries.

"A good picture book is like a good symphony," says Peter Sis, children's book author and illustrator. "The art, the story and the treatment come together in one voice."

Giora Carmi conducts such a symphony with her book A Circle of Friends. A wordless tale, the story of the contagious nature of giving is told entirely through illustrations. Children and adults alike will be charmed and touched by the narrative of kindness opening doors to more kindness. Carmi's illustrations really do speak louder than words or melodies as the story weaves along, and it is impossible not to be drawn in.

As Sis says, "Open this book by Giora Carmi and listen..."

Animal Colors, Les Couleurs des Animaux, 動物顏色...

2010-06-16T10:12:00.014-04:00

Learning to read is one of the most exciting developments in a child's early life. Finally making a connection between the symbols on the page and the words that they know is thrilling and instantly rewarding. What's the first step? Learning the alphabet. Learning to count. Learning the different colors of the rainbow.

What about bilingual children? What about trilingual children? What about children who want know more languages than you can count on one hand?

While the last category is most definitely a rare occurrence, it is not unusual for parents to want their children to learn more than one language growing up, or for children to express interest in knowing more than they simply encounter in the everyday. For this purpose, we offer our books in over 20 different languages. Whether you want to teach the little one English ABC's or how to count in Farsi, we have a range of board books to suit your needs. Open up a book and open up the possibilities!

Check out our multiple Brian Wildsmith titles, all offered in multiple language translations: ABC's, Animals to Count, Opposites, Animal Colors, Farm Animals, and Zoo Animals. Wildsmith's colorful illustrations will make learning interesting and fun, and are a great place to start. Whether your language of choice is French, Navajo, or Tagalog, we have a book for you. Check it out!

Madison and the Two Wheeler

2010-06-15T10:29:00.005-04:00

It's that time of year. Schools are starting to let out for the summer, and kids across the country are celebrating. It's summertime! Time to play games in the backyard, go swimming, or toss a frisbee around in the park. It's time for exploration - a trip to a zoo, theme park, or foreign country! Summer is a time for fun in the sun - all day, every day!

It's also a time for learning lessons. And what better time to learn the important lesson of perseverance?

In Madison and the Two Wheeler, warm weather means prime bike-riding time. The problem is, Madison doesn't know how to ride a two-wheeled bike just yet. And when she tries, and falls, she is sure that she will never ride a bike successfully without training wheels. But with some encouragement, she learns that all it takes is hope and practice to make her dream a realization.

Kids will definitely identify with Madison and her fear of falling. Riding a bike without training wheels for the first time can be scary! I know I certainly fell many, many times before finally getting the hang of it. But getting back on the bike after each spill led to me eventually coasting down the block without a single mishap.

Vanita Braver teaches this lesson in growing up in an inspring, creative way through the story of Madison. Carl DiRocco brings the tale to life with his fun, colorful illustrations. It's a perfect summertime read - get your copy today!

The Girl on the Yellow Giraffe

2010-06-14T10:30:00.004-04:00

The city can be a huge, daunting place. People often ask, "Do you really think it is a suitable place to raise a kid? Aren't you afraid?" Since I myself grew up in Manhattan, New York, I can say with full confidence that no, there's really nothing to be afraid of. In fact, if anything, growing up in an urban environment can prove to be invaluably enriching. The city was my playground - from Central Park to Coney Island, I found endless sources of adventure.

The Girl on the Yellow Giraffe shows readers that growing up in a city can be a wonderful and magical experience. All it takes is a little imagination to transform the cityscape into a land of endless possibilities, complete with castles, dragons, wizards, battles, and giants. What is recognized by adults as simply mundane things like construction sites or fire hydrants take on entirely new meaning through the eyes of The Girl on the Yellow Giraffe.

Children will love Ronald Himler's sweet storyline and beautiful illustrations. They'll definitely be inspired to take the everyday and transform it into the spectacular after reading this book! Get your copy today and let your imagination change the familiar world around you into something exciting and new.

Gideon

2010-06-11T10:30:00.002-04:00

Playing pretend is an integral part of any childhood. Dressing up as a pirate, lion, or wizard provides countless hours of fun and excitement. It allows the imagination to truly blossom in entertaining and unexpected directions.

But what happens when you have no choice but to dress up all the time?

Meet Gideon. He’s a chameleon, and he finds that changing his appearance all the time is anything but fun. He can’t make any friends, since no one can see him. He can’t even warn anyone of upcoming danger. He begins to wonder if there is anything good that can come out of his unique color-changing ability. But just when it seems that all is hopeless, he finds a way to use his special skill to save the jungle animals!

Francesca Greco uses vibrant watercolor illustrations to bring the story of Gideon the chameleon to life. Children will love seeing Gideon change from blue, to red, to orange, to spotted, to striped, and to multi-colored. Pick up a copy and read along with your kid about nature’s greatest master of disguise!

Eating the Rainbow

2010-06-10T10:35:00.002-04:00

Getting a young child to eat healthy food is no small feat. Achieving a balanced diet is difficult when food is considered to be either “yummy” or “yucky.” So how can you make eating both broccoli and strawberries fun? Show kids that Eating the Rainbow is both nutritious and enjoyable!

In this board book for children, photographs of different foods are grouped by color. Babies and toddlers will love identifying the different items on the page, which range from figs and eggplant for purple to corn and pineapple for yellow. Make the experience even more fun by snacking along as you read!

Eating the Rainbow is a fun educational book for the very young, and they’ll want to point out all the different colors and foods they eat after reading this book. Make sure you eat a rainbow of foods, too – kids learn by watching as well! Turn snack time into an adventure with Eating the Rainbow.

Barnaby Bennett

2010-06-09T10:48:00.004-04:00

Kids are notorious for getting dirty. They love to climb trees, track sand onto the carpets, play in the dirt, and, on occasion, eat grass. It is not rare to find your favorite dress smeared with lipstick and food stains following a bout of “playing dress-up,” or a your countertops caked in a suspicious-looking kitchen experiment. Still – there is something quite special about the silly antics little ones are infamous for. And that is why we bring you Barnaby Bennett.

Nonconformist to the max, young Barnaby Bennett won’t wear anything that’s not the color red. In fact, he loves his outfit so much, he never changes. He wears his red clothes to school. He wears his red clothes to bed. And the odor, as days wear on, grows potent and offensive. It takes a clever aunt with outstanding sewing skills to finally save Barnaby’s family from their walking stink bomb dilemma.

Ali Teo’s illustrations are fantastic, crossing casual animation with a collage of different textiles and paper mediums. Hannah Rainforth’s rhyme has a bouncy cadence that will have kids, and yourself, asking for more. Pick up Barnaby Bennett today!

Down in the Subway

2010-06-08T09:54:00.005-04:00

After a streak of hot-hot-hot days here in New York, it has finally cooled off. At Star Bright Books, we're all rejoicing. New York humidity causes freshly laundered clothes to cling like sopping rags to the skin, which makes the subway rides we take around the city nothing but miserable.

It would be so wonderful to walk into the train car and be greeted by a “cool blue Island breeze” instead of more oppressive heat, or how about a steel drum band instead of the noisy screech of wheels scraping the rails. Imagine stepping off the gray platform and stepping into a whole Island town!

In Down in the Subway by Miriam Cohen, a young boy named Oscar is riding a hot, hot subway train when suddenly "the Island Lady" comes and turns the trip into a magical adventure. Out from her bag she pulls the Caribbean Sea, delicious foods, live music, and fun for all. The subway riders are treated to the best party ever as the subway car is whisked through the tunnel.

Kids don’t like hot, sticky subway rides, but even if the little one isn’t familiar with the subway system at all, he or she will really love the lively, fun narrative of Down in the Subway. Each page is exploding with beautiful, bright illustrations that will surely draw everyone in. Even if you’re not going on vacation to a tropical paradise anytime soon, it’s a welcome invitation to escape for just a little while - if only in your imagination. Kids will want to read it again and again, and you will, too.

The Magic Flute

2010-06-07T12:20:00.003-04:00

Here at Star Bright Books, we understand the entertainment value of a well-loved theater production that translates beautifully to a book adaptation for children. So we’ve picked The Magic Flute as the book of the day. The Magic Flute is one of the most famous and beloved operas of all time, and was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who also penned the classic Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and numerous other musical compositions. The Magic Flute was Mozart’s final work, as he fell ill soon after its premier, and passed away just a little over a month afterward. Nonetheless, his magnificent piece lives on! Kyra Teis’ adaptation of The Magic Flute retains the exciting energy of the opera, using beautiful illustrations to bring the tale to life. Teis keeps the adventure enjoyable while making it accessible to a wide audience. Kids will love discovering the magical story of Prince Tamino, who seeks to save his love Princess Pamina. Available in both hardcover and paperback editions.

World Environment Day

2010-06-04T13:06:00.007-04:00

June 5th is World Environment Day, and in light of the recent ecological disaster, it couldn’t come at a better time. There has never been a greater opportunity to start, or delve deeper into, a conversation about the planet we call home. Saving the earth is a group effort, and every action counts! Recycle your paper, plastic, and metal. Take public transportation or bike to work. Use a reusable grocery bag. Save your wallet and the planet by taking a reusable water bottle with you when you’re on the go. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to educate the young on our planet’s growing plight.

Here at Star Bright Books, everyone pretty much agrees that a wonderful picture book to read on World Environment Day is Brian Wildsmith’s Professor Noah’s Spaceship. A fresh spin on the story of Noah, Wildsmith crafts a world on the brink of giving up the ghost. Animals have nowhere to go as their forests are cut or burned down. Food is scarce, and what’s is available for consumption is hardly edible. Pollution has left them physically weakened and in danger. Professor Noah steps in to save the animals by whisking them away on his very unusual spaceship. Kids and grown-ups alike will simply love Wildsmith’s bright, colorful illustrations that invoke a sense of whimsy like no other, and Wildsmith breathes new life into the story that has never felt quite so relevant.

As we all worry over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, remember that it’s our job to keep the earth fit for the kids and their future. Then, when it’s their turn, they will be aware of exactly what that entails – so get them started now!

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

2010-04-05T15:22:00.007-04:00

Around our office, the consensus is that last month lived up to the 'March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb' adage. We're happy that we survived it and are grateful for a beautiful community garden near our office that we can enjoy until the proverbial 'April showers' begin!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND CONFERENCES

We loved meeting so many of you face to face at the Public Library Association (PLA) Conference in Portland, Oregon last month. It’s always a pleasure to share what we’re working on face to face with librarians and other readers and to get your feedback directly. We hope to see you again before the 2012 PLA Conference in Philadelphia, PA!

This month, we’ll be at the National Council on Family Literacy (NCFL) Conference from April 10-12 and the Texas Library Association (TLA) Conference from April 14-17 (both are being held in San Antonio, TX) In addition, our passports are ready to head across the Atlantic to attend the London Book Fair from April 19-21. If you'll be attending any of these shows, please stop by our booth to say hello!

HOLIDAYS/SEASONAL BOOKS

What better way to observer National Poetry Month than with A CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSES? This collection of Robert Louis Stevenson’s verse has been in print for 125 years and still captures the joy and whimsy of childhood.

While the family upstairs gets ready for Easter, underground, the rabbit family is convinced that their father is the Easter Bunny in HUMBUG RABBIT by Lorna Balian.

LONEK’S JOURNEY is an uplifting true story perfect for Holocaust Memorial month. The book details the remarkable journey which led eleven-year-old Lonek from his home in Nazi-occupied Poland to internment in a Soviet gulag then through Iran and into Palestine. His astonishing two-year journey led him over thousands of miles in search of freedom.

Hope that April brings you lots of opportunities to read!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Wildsmith!

2010-03-26T16:28:00.005-04:00

Growing up, my siblings and I knew that a box from our paternal grandparents meant that there would be new books. I can’t say they ever disappointed us with that. From wordless picture books to thick, serious novels, we devoured them all. Regrettably, a few books we enjoyed then have been forgotten over the years, but the ones that have stuck with us have all held up as truly remarkable works.

Happily for us, these books included titles by Brian Wildsmith.

While his name isn’t bandied about in the United States with the likes of Eric Carle, his work immediately recognizable and is equally beloved. I clearly remember turning the pages of his books back and forth, diving in to the colorfully splashed illustrations, marveling at both the fine lines and slapdash splotches that define his work.

This week, The Illustration Cupboard (a London gallery specializing in children’s book illustration) is opening an exhibit showcasing twenty-five pieces of his original art. Until now, his work could only be seen at the museum that bears his name outside of Tokyo.

While we may not be able to view the works in person, The Illustration Cupboard does have all of the pieces included in the show available to view online—and Star Bright Books has produced a website with some additional favorites.

In addition, the children's book museum, Seven Stories (also located in England) is sponsoring a special exhibit called Wild With Wildsmith. This exhibit will feature interactive exhibits that will bring his books to life.

But what’s the reason for all this brouhaha? 2010 Marks the author-illustrator's 80th birthday. And from our offices in New York, we chime in to say, Happy Birthday, Mr. Wildsmith and here’s to many more.

You Are What You Eat?

2010-03-12T17:17:00.011-05:00

We’ll admit it; our weekly ‘Donut Meeting’ probably indicates that we work in the kind of office that might overlook the fact that March is National Nutrition Month. But now that we do know, there are a few books that seem to be leaping off the shelves, custom written reminders that we should pause and think about what we’re eating.

In TOO MANY PEARS, Pamela the cow's favorite food becomes an obsession. One pear? Fine. Two pears? Maybe. But when this cow starts eating every pear within reach, no one in the farmer’s family is happy. After some trial and error, they come up with a solution. Why not let her eat all the pears she wants? Will too much of a good thing be what finally stops this pear-crazy cow?

When the gumball machine delivers a ring instead of bubble gum, Peggy can’t hide her disappointment. After turning the ring round and round her finger, a genie appears and grants her one wish— and she asks for THE SWEET TOUCH. At first a chocolate rug and a licorice jump rope are a dream, but what to do when you’re ready for bed and all you have are taffy blankets and cotton candy pillows? And will her inexperienced genie be able to turn off this candy generating touch?

While doing some research on National Nutrition Month, we ran across a familiar phrase. The American Dietetic Association suggests 'Eating the Rainbow' as a family activity. As it turns out, we have an award-winning book with that title! Why not let your toddler use EATING THE RAINBOW as a guide for choosing healthy snacks?

In Like A Lion...

2010-03-02T10:27:00.020-05:00

lion image by Brian Wildsmith

Despite the recent snowstorms we've faced here in the Northeast, a walk through the park the other day convinced us that Spring is finally on the way. There were the smallest of buds on the trees and the earliest of flowers were starting to poke through the soil. Maybe March really will "Come in like a lion and go out like a lamb!"

This month is full of opportunities to read and share books. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Read Across America Day

‘Read to me and plant the seed,
Make me want to learn to read.’
-Judi Moreillon, READ TO ME

Every year, on March 2nd, the National Education Association sponsors Read Across America Day. In honor of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, this is a day to celebrate and share the joy of reading. You can make a declaration as to how you’ll observe the day here and we encourage you to make a pledge and share the day with the emergent and fluent readers in your life.

Women’s History Month

As mentioned previously, Melanie Hope Greenberg organized a month’s worth of events for Women’s History Month. One last minute addition to the schedule was an invitation for the participating authors and illustrators to be interviewed by Barbara Ehrentreu on the blog radio program, Red River Writers. The interview has been archived, and you can listen to it here. (Our ladies are featured about a half-hour in.)

And don’t forget, if you’re in the New York City area, the launch party for this month-long series of events is Thursday, March 4th at Superfine. The full schedule of events can be found here.

St. Patrick’s Day

It’s time again to look at your family history, find out if there’s any Irish ancestry, and then (regardless of your heritage!) make sure that you’ve got something green to wear on March 17th. From what we hear, it also can’t hurt to read a book that depicts leprechauns as the witty, intelligent, clever beings they are. Our personal favorite is Lorna and Lecia Balian’s LEPRECHAUNS NEVER LIE. After being captured by the lazy Ninny Nanny and her foolish Gram, a clever leprechaun persuades the ladies to perform all the tasks that they’d thought he would take care of.

The First Day of Spring and National Nutrition Month

March is also National Nutrition Month and the perfect time to set a family goal of a planting a garden. The first day of Spring might be the ideal day to stop by the gardening center, pick up a bag of soil and some seeds, and get your window boxes or garden ready for planting. If you need some inspiration, here are some titles that will remind you what the dirt under your nails today will bring you in the months to come! WHAT'S IN MY GARDEN? allows young readers to pull tabs and discover what colorful vegetables are growing as they wander through a garden. Color by color, fruits and vegetables are depicted in the award-winning EATING THE RAINBOW, a nutritious, photographic look at the food we eat.

Women's History Month

2010-02-19T11:52:00.003-05:00

Did you know that Women’s History Month is observed during March? The illustrator of our own DOWN IN THE SUBWAY has gone above and beyond in organizing a series of events for the month. Rather than focusing on the women of the distant past, Melanie Hope Greenberg has put together a series of events that focus on six contemporary women who are author-illustrators. (They are also all Brooklynites, but that’s another story.)

After an opening event on March 4th at Superfine (where their artwork will remain on display for two weeks) Selina Alko, Miriam Cohen, Pat Cummings, Melanie Hope Greenberg, Aileen Leijten, and Meghan McCarthy will be at independent bookstores around Brooklyn to read, sign books, and talk about their work.

Of this impressive roster, both Miriam Cohen and Melanie Hope Greenberg have published with Star Bright Books. They collaborated on the magical DOWN IN THE SUBWAY and Miriam has published more than a dozen additional titles here, including the indispensable ‘We Love First Grade!’ series. (When I was teaching, I couldn’t start the school year without additional copies of WILL I HAVE A FRIEND for families to borrow.)

We’re thrilled to be part of this celebration and hope that you’ll celebrate with these women, too—come to an event, stop by your local library or bookstore and pick up a book, visit their websites, send them a note…but above all, be inspired by what women are contributing to the contemporary history of art and literature for children and families.

You can find the complete schedule of events here.

The participating venues are:
BookCourt
Greenlight Bookstore
P.S. Bookshop
Superfine

Happy February!

2010-02-12T12:11:00.005-05:00

Despite the truncated calendar page, some people claim that February feels like the longest month! Around here, we revel in the fact that the cold weather gives us a good excuse to curl up at home with a favorite book. We invite you to do the same—fix a cup of cocoa, gather a few of our titles, wrap up in your favorite blanket and enjoy!

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

It’s a belated announcement, but we're happy to share that The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio has honored two books from our 'Babies Everywhere' series. CARRY ME was granted a Platinum Award and EATING THE RAINBOW was honored with both Gold and SNAP (Special Needs Adaptable Product) Awards. You can find more details here.

HOLIDAYS/SEASONAL BOOKS

Gung Hay Fat Choy! As you welcome the Year of the Tiger this Chinese New Year, don’t forget that we have translated a number of our books into Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional)

When a very large baby is left on the steps of Town Hall, the villagers decide to raise the girl as their own. Oversized, but not under loved, Valentine wonders if there’s a match for her anywhere in the world. Lorna Balian’s A SWEETHEART FOR VALENTINE is a tall tale about finding true love— no matter your size.

Miriam Cohen asks readers to BEE MY VALENTINE when she returns to First Grade with Jim and his classmates. From the teacher’s announcement about exchanging cards to celebratory cupcakes, no preparations for the holiday are overlooked!

Set in the Bayou, TROSCLAIR AND THE ALLIGATOR is the perfect read to get you in the mood for Mardi Gras. Trosclair and his dog have the courage to explore the swamp, but will they have the smarts to outwit Gargantua, the alligator who has been keeping everyone at bay?

Happy Reading, Everyone!

Star Bright Books at ALA

2010-01-04T16:57:00.001-05:00

ALA MidWinter Meeting in Boston.

15—18 Jan 2010

Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

415 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts

Booth 1453

Book signings featuring:

16th January, 11 am—1 pm

ISABEL HILL

Urban Animals

16th January, 1 pm—3 pm

JILL LAUREN

That's Like Me!, Succeeding with LD

17th January, 1 pm—3 pm

CORNELIUS VAN WRIGHT

Alicia's Happy Day

How Do You Get a Mouse to Smile?

come by the booth for a free poster!